CONSERVATIVE THAI PARTY PROMISES TO LEGALIZE SEX TOYS TO WIN VOTES
In a controversial move to attract voters, Thailand’s conservative Democrat Party has pledged to legalize sex toys if they win power in next month’s national elections. The party, which is projected to win between 20-30 seats nationwide, is proposing to decriminalize the sale of sex toys, which are considered « obscene » under Section 287 of Thailand’s Criminal Code. If successful, sex toys would become a « specially controlled product under governmental regulations and with age limitations, where the buyers must be older than 18 years old. »
SAFETY CONCERNS AND HEALTH BENEFITS
The executive member of the Democrat Party, Ratchada Thanadirek, argues that legalizing sex toys would help reduce the rate of sex crimes and the number of products illegally smuggled from overseas, which lack quality control and can sometimes cause infections among users. Additionally, « Looking at the medical angle, doctors are even recommending [sex toys], instead of buying a sex service or cheating on partners, » Thanadirek told CNN.
SEX TOYS IN THAILAND
Sex toys are considered « immoral » in some parts of Thailand, but are also freely available at many street stalls in Bangkok, as noted in Thanadirek’s statement. While some may have religious or moral concerns about legalizing sex toys, Thanadirek insists that doing so could have a positive health impact and help boost the economy. The Thai government could collect taxes on imported sex toys, and the country, as a major global producer of rubber, has the potential to become a sex toy production hub.
GROWING CONVERSATION ON SEXUAL PLEASURE AND TABOOS
The Democrat Party’s proposal has sparked conversation about sexual pleasure and taboos in Thai society. Thailand is a conservative society, and there is stigma associated with actions perceived as defying traditional family values, especially in rural areas. However, there is often a disconnect between what the law says and reality on the ground.
CONCLUSION
While statistically it may be a long shot, the decision to legalize sex toys could gain the Democrat Party additional votes from citizens who believe the government should not have a say in their personal sexual lives. It remains to be seen whether the proposal will gather enough support to pass, given that the party would need support from other parties to reach the minimum 251 votes required.
KEYWORDS: Conservative Thai Party, Thailand, sex toys, legalization, health benefits, safety concerns, sex crimes, sex toy industry, taboo, Thai society.
Secondary Keywords: election, voters, government, traditional family values, rubber production, taxes, personal sexual lives.
References:
– Criminal Code Sections 282-287
– CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/17/asia/thailand-democrat-party-sex-toys-intl/index.html
– Siam Legal: https://library.siam-legal.com/thai-law/criminal-code-indecency-prostitution-sections-282-287/#:~:text=imprisonment%20for%20life.-,If%20the%20commission%20of%20the%20offence%20according%20to%20the%20first,imprisonment%20for%20life%2C%20or%20death.
