Prostitution in South East Asia

Prostitution in South East Asia In the countries of South East Asia, prostitution is an issue that has been going on for years. Dating back to pre communist era in Japan and Vietnam where it grew larger, prostitution is an issue in Asia. Due to economic, political and class factors prostitution is an easy way to make money but it’s the women who are put into the spotlight. The girls are put into prostitution to bring money into the household, pay off debts, and keep themselves out of poverty. Along with the moral issues of prostitution there are also the health factors of the risk of HIV and AIDs. Prostitution, by definition, generally means the command by a person of any natural or unnatural sexual act, deviate sexual intercourse, or sexual contact for monetary consideration. Prostitution dates back to pre-communist Japan in 1932, with the ideas of comfort wagons or brothel trains, used by the Europeans and soldiers. The women were captured from countries ruled by Japan and became captives of the military. The women were forced to have intercourse with the Japanese soldiers. When prostitution began in Japan, it was for more of a personal need and on a limited scale, but in Vietnam in 1964, when the Americans had occupied different sections prostitution more than tripled from 20,000 to 400,000. The Thailand government started a recreation and rest program for the American soldiers. For the economic and political aspect of this “recreation” the soldiers needed female companionship and the country needed money. It was considered a win win for both sides and it helped to build up the economy. Thailand’s recreation isn’t considered prostitution because prostitution is illegal, they are renamed massage parlors, tea houses, etc. to side swipe what is really going on. Since they are not “brothels” there is no reason for the government to observe them, this type of ignorance of this denies help for prostitutes and medical help for HIV and AIDs.