swept sex tourism under the carpet with a public relations campaign designed at salvaging tourism’s identity (bishop, p. 70). Thai social critic Siriporn Skrobanek claims that ”The ruling class values the bodies of poor women as a means to attract tourists to earn foreign exchange. This strategy made Thailand a country where ‘all people who go there, like it and long to return. It is beautiful and there is something for everybody (Bishop, p. 75). In the past decade the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and THAI International has led an effort at attracting affluent white male tourists. One add, issued by a company called incentive Asia Destination Services, promises to “turn fantasy into reality and reality into fantasy” for “deserving high achievers”. A brochure titled Thai Values: Travel to the Land of Smiles, says “ Thai values make Thailand the ultimate incentive; So much for so little; Beauty and the beach; Antiques, Thai arts and crafts—all at bargain prices; Living values; The most affordable luxury in Asia; and All the pageantry of Thailand—at your command. This advertisement is promoting a form of neo colonialism. Goods in the form of pleasure are exploited by rich ex-imperialistic powers at the expense of a poor undeveloped country (Bishop, p. 70). The Thai government refuses to blatantly acknowledge sex tourism. For if they did it would not be acceptable to openly promote the industry. Instead they promote Thailand as a place with sensuous, beautiful, young women who are eager to serve you to the fullest. The Manipulation of the Spread of Information by the Tourism Industry:There are actual sex tours that you can procure for a modest some of money. The promotional advertising can be found in glossy brochures, and through tour information on the Internet. I was able to find two Asian sex tour agencies on the Internet. It is shocking to see how these ...
