Critics have voiced concerns about the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s bold proposal to legalize the adult entertainment industry and its offerings, including pornographic materials and sex toys, fearing that it might expose children to inappropriate content. The bill, submitted by MFP MP for Bangkok, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, is set to be debated in the Lower House next month.
Currently, Section 287 of the Criminal Code places a blanket ban on all types of adult materials, including pornographic images and sex toys. However, if this amendment is passed, only specific types of explicit content, such as those depicting sexual violence, rape, and pedophilia, will remain prohibited, according to Mr. Taopiphop. The proposed amendment also aims to prevent individuals under 20 years old from participating in the production of adult content.
In addition, Mr. Taopiphop mentioned that the amendment would facilitate easier regulations surrounding the sale of sex toys. Certified products from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) would be available for legal purchase by the general public.
Despite anticipating criticism, Mr. Taopiphop insists that his intentions are in the public’s interest. “People need to stop pretending that adult content is taboo. It’s time to bring the industry to light, so we can discuss it openly and regulate it legally. That’s why I proposed this bill,” he explained. He emphasized that he has no personal gains from this bill and believes this could be a step towards societal progress.
Legalizing the industry could offer several economic benefits, such as taxation and improved safety for individuals working within the sector. Mr. Taopiphop noted that many sex workers face exploitation but fear reporting abuses to the authorities. Legalizing and regulating the industry could help address these issues.
When addressing concerns about potential social problems stemming from legalizing adult content, Mr. Taopiphop pointed out the easy accessibility of pornography via the internet. “Watching porn for personal sexual pleasure doesn’t harm anyone; it helps release sexual tension. The problem lies with content involving rape and violence, which must be banned. A well-regulated adult entertainment industry could even become a soft power for the country,” he added.
The MFP’s proposed amendment to Section 287 had undergone a public hearing from August 25 to October 31 last year, attended by 1,072 people, though only 22 expressed their opinions, indicating limited public support. Numerous consultations with state agencies such as 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 have also been conducted.
The RTP fears that easier access to pornographic materials could spike sex-related crimes, whereas the MoPH insists on mechanisms to keep individuals under 20 out of the adult industry. The MoJ raised concerns over the ambiguity between legal and illegal production, potentially leading to corruption.
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit supports legalizing the industry and easing rules on sex toy sales but stresses the need for measures to prevent misuse, especially to protect vulnerable groups like children and those with disabilities. “Using sex toys for personal pleasure is not wrong, but abusing them against others is illegal. We need to carefully consider the impacts on vulnerable groups,” she said.
On the other hand, Srida Tantaatipanit, managing director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand, disagrees with the proposal, citing potential negative impacts on minors. She points to the lack of strict law enforcement as a significant challenge, allowing minors easier access to explicit content, particularly on platforms like OnlyFans.
Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau, shared his concerns about children’s possible exposure to adult content if the industry is legalized. He noted the prevalence of online adult content and the difficulty in controlling children’s access. He also mentioned the risks of minors being lured into the production of adult content, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Measures must be devised to prevent exploitation and ensure that adult content production meets health standards,” he added.
While studies suggest that the adult content industry doesn’t significantly correlate with sex crime rates, effective law enforcement and public education are crucial. Observers believe that apart from amending Section 287, other related laws like the Computer Crime Act, Anti-Human Trafficking Act, Film and Video Act, and Printing Recordation Act also need updates.
Rachada Dhnadirek, an executive of the opposition Democrat Party, announced the party’s support for the proposal to legalize sex toys. Citing research by British market research company Technavio, she highlighted that the global sex toy industry has been growing by about 7% annually since 2019, equating to an approximate 300 billion baht increase per year. Legalizing these products could bring significant economic benefits through taxation and increased state revenue.
Finally, someone brave enough to demand proper regulations! Keeping the industry in the shadows only fosters more exploitation.
Brave or reckless? Just because it’s regulated doesn’t mean it won’t harm society, especially our kids.
Harm is a matter of perspective. Proper sex education is the real solution, not banning everything.
Regulating it provides control and safety. Ignoring the industry doesn’t make it vanish; it just causes more problems.
Think of the economic benefits! Tax revenue and safer working environments could outweigh the risks.
What about the children? Legalizing such things could push more explicit content into their lives. Is it worth the risk?
Children already encounter explicit content online; regulation could control this better.
Maybe we should focus on better parenting and monitoring of what children access online instead of fearing adult industry regulations.
Legalizing porn is a slippery slope. What’s next? Prostitution? Where do we draw the line?
Prostitution is legal in many countries with fewer related crimes. Regulation works when done properly.
Taopiphop is right. A taboo-free discussion is necessary for progress.
Exactly! We cannot hide behind curtains forever. Adult content isn’t inherently evil.
Adult content is fine, but the proposal needs strong safeguards. Otherwise, it’s asking for trouble.
Agree, Clarence. Safeguards are vital. We need responsible consumption and strict monitoring.
Legalizing this industry is overdue. Free it from societal stigma and we can handle it like adults.
While I see the economic benefits, we can’t ignore the societal impact. The Mental Health of some people might suffer.
Mental health issues arise from how adults consume content. Proper understanding and regulations can help mitigate this.
How about tougher online content monitoring instead of opening up our society to more explicit material?
You can’t monitor everything online. It’s unrealistic. Regulating gives us some control and legal boundaries.
The economic gains are too good to ignore, but can Thailand really enforce such regulations effectively?
If other countries can, why can’t we? We need to start somewhere and adjust based on the outcomes.
Our law enforcement is notoriously underfunded. This could just add to their burden.
Hooray for progress! Consenting adults should have the autonomy to make their own choices.
Every reform has its teething problems. Better to tackle those head-on than avoid them entirely.
But are we ready for those teething problems? This could backfire on many levels.
With proper law enforcement and education, this can work. High risks but higher rewards.
This could reduce the exploitation of sex workers. Regulation means safety and fair treatment.
Absolutely, Art! Safety and fair treatment should be non-negotiables in any profession.
Not all countries legalizing adult entertainment have seen worse social problems. Let’s give it a chance.
Economic benefits cannot be the only focus. Moral and ethical aspects need consideration.