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hi guys,
i emailed this guy who made the documentary. this was his reply. im sure soem people will tak offence but at least he didnt hide behind his film, have to commend him for that
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the email. I’ll try to answer your question as best I can.
The view taken in Bangkok Girl was very black and white but, as anyone who has been to Thailand knows, there is a huge grey area. This grey area lies between complete exploitation of a bargirl to the conniving scams from the bargirls themselves. Unfortunately, my view is that the scene is all connected and by supporting or participating in one area, you are supporting the rest. I’m not condemning the scene itself, just the lack of respect from the Westerners who enjoy it. I am aware that the most damaging sex scenes in Thailand are within Thai only areas.
Regardless, I wished to show one girl so people could relate to these girls and generate a dialogue around it.
I am not embarking on a mission for change, just understanding. I hold no moral high ground on prostitution, it exists and always will, but the exploitation of an economy and religion by Westerners (economically and sexually) is what disgusts me. Why should a bargirl make $40 (for a night) when the same man would have to pay $120-160 (for an hour) anywhere else? Sure it’s good money in Thailand, but it has made prostitution the only option for young Thai girls with no education.
In my experience, and I have spend lots of time in Thailand and the Philippines, the men who partake in sex tourism fall into three categories. 1. Desperate, 2. A-moral – meaning as long as they can justify it to themselves it is alright. 3. Predators. Thailand is victim to all three equally. Although the second is least destructive, it is still not a healthy human trait – most CEO’s are a-moral personality types.
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