Bangkok: Red Light Districts & Modern Slavery

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Visiting Bangkok’s well-known nightlife areas (Patpong, Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza) may seem harmless but spending money in these districts can directly or indirectly support modern slavery, including forced sex work and child exploitation. This information provides key facts and practical guidance to help you make informed, responsible choices during your free time.

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Key Facts

• A global issue: Tens of millions of people live in modern slavery, including forced sexual exploitation (ILO, 2021).
• Highly profitable crime: Sexual exploitation is one of the most lucrative forms of forced labour.
• Thailand context: Both Thai and foreign victims are trafficked into the sex trade; tourist spending can sustain this market (TIP Report, 2024).

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How Tourist Spending Can Contribute

• Money spent in bars, clubs, “shows,” or private services can flow to traffickers and exploiters.

• Tourist demand increases pressure to recruit vulnerable people including children.
• Behind the scenes, victims may face coercion, debt bondage, withheld wages, or confiscated passports.

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Possible Signs of Exploitation

• Workers who appear fearful, controlled, or unable to leave.
• Individuals living and working on-site with restricted freedom.
• Young-looking persons with unclear age or background information.
• Signs of physical abuse, poor hygiene, or someone speaking on a worker’s behalf.
• Pressured sales tactics, unexpected charges, or passport confiscation.

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Practical Guidance

Avoid shows or venues that sexualise or commodify people.

• Choose ethical entertainment options: cultural performances, live music, local restaurants, tours, and markets.
• Use reputable, certified tour operators that follow child-safeguarding standards.
• Spend directly with providers only when you are confident they are working freely and voluntarily.

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If You Suspect Trafficking

• Do not intervene directly - your safety may be at risk.
• Note details discreetly: venue name, location, date/time, descriptions.
• Report concerns to:
  
  • Local Police (Thailand): 191
  • Your Embassy
  • Alliance Anti-Trafficking (AAT): +66 2 214 5157–8
  • ChildSafe Thailand: +66 086 971 8861

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Our Commitment

Flight Centre Travel Group takes our commitments to eradicating Modern Slavery seriously but we cannot do this alone. We want you to enjoy Bangkok while living our Global Goals for Good. By understanding the risks and making informed choices, you help ensure we leave Bangkok better than we found it and protect those most vulnerable to exploitation.

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