Cross-national Prostitution of Migrant Women a Case Study of Mueang Mukdahan District, Mukdahan Province

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this research were (1) to study the conditions of prostitution for migrant women in 2 areas -1) entering into a career and 2) driving force and (2) to study the process of cross-national prostitution of migrant in 2 areas-1) mobility and 2) network linkage. This qualitative research was conducted by using in-depth interview and participation observation method. Thirteen prostitutes were selected to participate in the study. The results of the study revealed that the conditions for entering into prostitution were 1) needing money for their families to live a better life and 2) needing money to pay off debts for raising parents and children and 3) being persuadeb by acquaintances. Migrant women were driven into prostitution by family, economic/income, social and environment conditions, such as poverty, family violence, family expenses exceeding an income, and pressure form society and surrounding environment. Regarding the process of cross national prostitution, the study revealed that migrant women entered into Thailand via Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge in Mukdahan Province and Chong Mek (a border city) in Ubon Ratchathani Province by using a temporary border pass or a passport as a tourist. A migrant woman entering into Thailand with the assistance of an agent had to pay 7,500 to 9,000 baht. This expense was paid in advance to the agent by the migrant woman’s employer, and the employer deducted an amount of money as agreed from the migrant woman’s monthly salary.