![]() Sangkharom wasn't always a sex worker, nor did she ever envision herself as one. "So many lady boys do sex work because it's easy for money," says Aris "Alice" Sangkharom, a 34-year old sex worker in Pattaya. It also creates opportunity for some of the most marginalized groups-for transgender women, often referred to as lady boys-in Bangkok and in tourist areas like Pattaya. Though illegal, sex work is widely tolerated and does more than play a substantial part in Thailand's economy. The sex industry in Thailand employs about 250,000 people and brings in about $6.4 billion dollars in annual revenue, accounting for 10 percent of Thailand's GDP, according to Havocscope, a database which provides the public with information about the global black market. Interestingly, Pattaya is only one of many locations where sex work flourishes. However, there's another cultural staple that has come to define Pattaya-its red light district, known for its flourishing sex industry. Rather, these sights, and these sounds, have come to define this town of about 100,000 residents. ![]() This isn't any special night in Pattaya, a city about two hours south of Bangkok. The flashes of electrifying neon signs stand out against the black sky the sounds of competing bar music make it impossible to decipher any lyrics the sights of men wrestling with cobras make tourists go googly eyed with amazement and anticipation. PATTAYA, Thailand-It's 8:00pm in this popular beach resort, well-known for its nightlife. ![]()
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