Fatal Attraction: A qualitative study of Western male clients of sex workers in Thailand

Each year, thousands of young women are trafficked or lured into sex work to meet the demand of clients. There would not be a sex industry without the demand, however, the demand (client) side of the sex industry has had limited research. The focus has principally been on sex workers rather than on the clients. As a result, the characteristics of clients are almost unknown. This paper explores the perceptions and behaviours of Western male clients of female sex workers in Thailand based on interviews with the clients in entertainment venues.

The analysis of the study identified several factors common to men who employ the services of sex workers. These factors include: the fulfillment of masculine roles, social and sexual acceptance and supply of sex work. Findings suggest clients’ need to assert masculine identity through power and control over the sex worker and the need to feel desirable (accepted). In addition, anonymity and ease of attaining sex (inexpensive, submissive, exotic and amply supply of young women) fueled client demand for using the services of sex workers. Clients commonly reported (and was observed) mistreatment, abuse and violence against sex workers; however this was justified through payment of services.