Critics have raised concerns over the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s initiative to legalize the adult entertainment industry, including pornographic materials and sex toys. Critics argue that without proper safeguards, children could inadvertently access explicit content. MFP MP for Bangkok, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, who introduced the bill to parliament earlier this month, clarified that the proposal will be debated in the Lower House next month.
Currently, under Section 287 of the Criminal Code, all forms of adult materials, including pornographic images and sex toys, are banned. However, if the amendment passes, only certain types of explicit content, such as those depicting sexual violence, rape, and pedophilia, will remain prohibited. Additionally, the amendment will ensure that individuals under 20 years old cannot participate in the production of adult content.
Mr. Taopiphop emphasized that the amendment would also aim to ease restrictions on the sale of sex toys. He suggested that adult products certified by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) should be legally available for public purchase.
He openly acknowledged the potential backlash but maintained that the public’s best interests motivated his proposal. “It’s time we stop pretending that adult content is taboo. Legal regulation can open up discussions and bring the industry into the light,” he stated.
Mr. Taopiphop clarified that he doesn’t have personal gains from the bill but believes it could propel society forward. Legalizing the industry could positively impact the economy through taxation and enhance safety for those working within it. Many sex workers, for instance, report exploitation due to their fear of being unable to seek police intervention if they face abuse.
Addressing concerns that legalizing adult content might lead to more social issues, Mr. Taopiphop pointed out that internet access already makes pornography readily available. “As long as people watch porn for personal sexual pleasure, there’s no harm. What is problematic are violent and non-consensual content, which should be banned,” he said. He also noted that better regulation of the adult entertainment industry could potentially position it as a ‘soft power’ for the country.
The proposal to amend Section 287 underwent a public hearing from Aug 25 to Oct 31 last year. Out of the 1,072 attendees, only 22 voiced their opinions, indicating minimal public support. Consultations have taken place with several state agencies, including the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Ministry of Education, Royal Thai Police (RTP), and the Office of National Human Rights Commission.
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) expressed concerns about easy access leading to an increase in sex-related crimes. According to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), mechanisms must be in place to prevent those under 20 from entering the adult industry, while the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) highlighted the bill’s unclear distinctions between legal and illegal production, potentially leading to abuse by corrupt officials.
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit supported legalizing the industry and easing regulations on sex toys but stressed the need for safeguards to prevent misuse by minors. “Using sex toys for personal pleasure is fine, but measures must protect vulnerable groups such as children and the disabled,” she said.
Srida Tantaatipanit, managing director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand, opposed the proposal, arguing it could negatively impact minors. She pointed out that lax law enforcement could undermine the amendment’s purpose and noted that many minors access explicit content online, particularly on platforms like OnlyFans.
Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau, echoed concerns about children’s easy access to adult content. “Measures must prevent children from becoming victims of exploitation, and if the amendment passes, regulations must ensure health standards in adult content production,” he said. He also voiced concerns about AI-generated deepfake porn and emphasized the need for regulations to prevent such content.
However, criminological studies do not find a direct link between the adult content industry and sex crime rates; instead, the enforcement of laws and public education about sex crimes play more significant roles in crime prevention. Observers note that other related laws, such as the Computer Crime Act and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, would need amendments to better regulate the industry.
Rachada Dhnadirek, an executive of the opposition Democrat Party, had previously indicated support for legalizing sex toys, citing research by Technavio, a British market research company. She pointed out that the global sex toy industry has been growing by approximately 7% per year since 2019, translating to an annual increase of about 300 billion baht. Legalizing and taxing sex toys could, therefore, bring significant economic benefits to the country.
I can’t believe we’re even thinking about legalizing porn and sex toys! This is going to corrupt our society and lead our youth astray.
Joe, the reality is that porn is already accessible online. Regulating it might actually protect our kids better by putting safeguards in place.
Exactly, Jane! By ignoring it, we’re just leaving the industry unchecked. Legalizing it can make it safer and more transparent.
But what about the moral implications? Are we just going to ignore the potential damage to our societal values?
Joe, morality is subjective. We need to look at the practical benefits, like improved safety and economic gains.
This is a great move! Legalizing the industry can help reduce stigma and exploitation. It’s about time we face reality.
Totally agree. Plus, it can provide a new stream of revenue through taxation. Why are we leaving money on the table?
I support legalizing sex toys but I’m on the fence about porn. It’s more exploitative than people realize.
Susan, adult content is already out there. The black market is much worse for exploitation. Legalizing can enforce better standards.
In my day, we didn’t need these things, and we turned out just fine! Kids should be focusing on their studies.
Well, times have changed, grandpa. Ignoring these issues won’t make them go away. Regulation is key.
Back in my day, ignoring it was fine. Why can’t it work now?
Unrestricted access to explicit content can harm young people. Maybe we should invest more in sex education to help them understand it better.
Exactly! Proper education can go a long way in helping kids understand boundaries and consent.
Plus, integrating education with regulation can give a balanced approach. It’s not one or the other.
The government’s job is not to police our bedrooms! Let adults make their own choices.
It’s not about policing bedrooms. It’s about preventing societal decay. Think of the bigger picture.
The bigger picture is freedom and personal autonomy. Adults should be responsible for their own choices.
I’m worried about my children accidentally finding explicit content. We need stronger safeguards in place if this goes through.
Legalization can actually help control and monitor the distribution of explicit content. It’s naive to think banning it will eliminate access.
This move is going to make Thailand a hub for sex tourism. Is that what we really want?
If done right, it could control sex tourism better than pretending it doesn’t exist. It might actually bring in more quality tourism.
Sofia, even if that’s true, is it worth the potential negative impact on local communities?
Studies show no direct link between adult content and increased sex crime rates. Laws will be more effective with proper enforcement and education.
If we want to boost the economy, why not? Other industries are struggling. Could this be a new growth area?
Gary, this sounds like clutching at straws. Surely we can find better ways to boost the economy than legalizing porn.
Sue, sometimes unconventional solutions can work wonders. We just have to make sure it’s regulated properly.
Sex is a natural part of human life. As long as it’s consensual and safe, why should the government intervene?
Some people think regulating the industry will just lead to more government corruption. What’s to stop officials from abusing their power?
Legalizing the industry could reduce sex trafficking. Giving workers legal protection can be a huge step forward.
Our culture is already becoming too sexualized. What kind of message are we sending to future generations?
This proposal could modernize Thailand and align it with many Western countries where adult content is regulated.