Wow .. do you think they will start slaughtering people like they did back in 2002?

Posted by Jesse Schule on September 20, 2011 11:06

Of course they will, look who's running the government - even from afar, at the moment.

Posted by jimbo on September 20, 2011 11:19

Wrist marking with a Permanent Marker, impressing professional... Go ahead government, this is the way how to chase tourists away.

But when will they start to work on serious problems ?? Waiting for big brother ??

Posted by Resident on September 20, 2011 12:19

Easy prey indeed, bar girls, katoeys, helmets...pathetic!

Posted by Jean-Paul Patrick on September 20, 2011 13:12

My friend told me it cost him a small fortune last night...

Posted by Corruption? Never on September 20, 2011 14:04

Jean-paul

Yes, maybe but would you bet against patong and the people you described as having a higher rate of illegal drug use and to be working without documentation? The whole of patong reeks of criminal behaviour, whether in the open or underground. You make these crackdowns in places where criminal behavior is obviously a big problem.
I would hazard to guess that if they made this kind of crack down on the "bank street" inside Central Festival they would probably not net many individuals. But you are of a different opinion I guess.

Posted by christian on September 20, 2011 14:06

Judging by the looks on the officials' faces that's pretty bad smelling ink.

Posted by ssresident on September 20, 2011 16:50

Sex workers and bars' owners.
" Employees and staff were tested for drugs. " Why they had been tested for drugs instead to keep them under arrest for developing prostitution? If I'm not wrong, prostitution is forbidden from Thai Law.

Posted by Mario on September 20, 2011 20:51

Age of evidence and proofs, khun Ed!

Posted by mario on September 20, 2011 21:21

Is it just me or is the permanent marker thing more to do with stigmatising working girls rather than making sure they are not tested again. What next, parading them in the street in chains, tattooing a number on their arms concentration camp style?

Posted by Scott on September 21, 2011 06:42

Lack of evidence, editor? And there's no test for prostitution? Even if we set aside common sense for awhile, the police could easily obtain plenty of evidence through simple observation. It's not like they're running some covert prostitution ring down there, it's right out there for everyone to see.

Posted by drs7776 on September 21, 2011 08:39

Well editor, murder hasn't been "successfully banished" in any country but that doesn't stop law enforcement around the world from pursuing those criminals. And what does "not unless you go out looking for it" even mean? Prostitution is everywhere in Thailand, and only a fool is too blind to see that. I don't know what side you're on editor, but it seems obvious it's not the right side.

Posted by drs7776 on September 21, 2011 09:24

For one, prostitution or drugs is down to a choice, which we are all meant to have. If people want to do this without harming others, then I don't think it matters. I still believe the bigger crimes are the corruption and exploitation of people who get paid poor wages, steal money from the government.

Posted by Tbs on September 21, 2011 09:34

Ahh editor... Writing that I compared murder to corruption only proves your ignorance, I was simply pointing out the lack of logic in your argument. The "do nothing" attitude like yours is why the world has so many problems. I harbor no ill will toward prostitutes, most are doing what they have to do to survive or what they've been forced to do. How is this not an important issue? Do you care nothing for the women, men, girls, and boys that may be trapped in the sex industry?Aside from the fact that prostitution is illegal, the areas where prostitution is rampant, are also breeding grounds for drugs, corruption, violence and who knows what else.

Posted by drs7776 on September 21, 2011 10:39

Here we go again- poor hard pressed women driven into prostitution - have a look around Isaan some time and see the houses some of these ladies have built without the western stigmas of sex being dirty. Stamp it out - its the world's oldest profession!!!! The only reason its out in the open here is the repressed attitudes in you home countries. That's where people are TRAPPED in the human trafficking side of the sex industry, not the eager young faces of Issan that clamber off the buses of their own free will every day behind Jungceylon.

As for Scott/Resident, magic markers are the same as people who vote getting indellible dye on their fingers - its a quick way to avoid double testing in this case and soon fades. Did you never go to a club in your yoof and get a stamp on your hand to provide proof of entry? To use a concentration camp euphemism is just tacky.

Posted by Mister ree on September 21, 2011 11:30

First you wrote that "Few people are ''trapped in the sex industry.''", then you wrote "Sexual slavery" is a really important issue here. Either its a rare occurrence or it's a serious issue. ????So.... Which is it? How about you do your own research and make sure your argument is sound before posting a repsonse.

Posted by drs7776 on September 21, 2011 11:47

Think the editor must be a Thai. Total clueless numpty.

Posted by Spam on September 21, 2011 12:58

"Readers can also add their own comments on every story. We are keen to hear what you have to say." with the proviso you always agree with the Editor.

Posted by Spam on September 21, 2011 13:17

Dear ed. Obviously as many times before you.re comment on other comments are unfunded. Ex there are countries (Holland) where prostitution is well regulated. So as for Patong, or Phuket it would be possible to regulate prostitution. As for drugs works good as well. Illegal drugs-jail, legalised drugs no problem.

Posted by Freddy2do on September 21, 2011 15:51

I think you'll find prostitution in Patong, Phuket is already regulated. The problem is the regulators ( the police) have a vested interest in maintaining the status-quo the same as with the Tuk-Tuk situation, Jet-skis, illegal tailor s etc etc. I see little hope in anything changing until there is a radical shake-up and i don't mean a slap on the wrist and moved to another province.

Posted by Spam on September 21, 2011 17:49

So often the editor replies are more interesting than the story.
More.

Posted by Old_Ed_inVN on September 22, 2011 12:11

Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Posted by The Very Reverend Richard P. Cockshaft on September 27, 2011 15:06