Unwanted Experiences and Support Among Men and Trans Individuals in the Sex Industry in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Male and transgender sex workers in Thailand experience high rates of violence, social stigma, economic marginalization, as well as limited access to legal protections and support services. However, this population remains significantly understudied in trafficking and sex work literature and often lacks adequate support services. As such, through quantitative surveys with 100 sex workers assigned male at birth (73% transgender/third gender, 26% cisgender) in Bangkok, this research explores their experiences of harm, knowledge of support services, and barriers to accessing assistance. Over half the participants (57%) reported experiencing at least one harmful event, most commonly emotional harm, stigmatization, and robbery. Despite these experiences, formal reporting was limited, with only 16% contacting police and 5% approaching NGOs, while most (37%) confided in friends or family. Only 20% of participants had ever accessed support resources. Key barriers to help-seeking included fear of stigma, concerns about judgment related to sexuality, and masculinity norms. Notably, transgender individuals showed greater willingness than cisgender men to report physical abuse to police. Findings highlight the distinct needs of gender-diverse sex workers and suggest targeted interventions to improve service accessibility, including anonymous reporting options, legal support, and culturally sensitive approaches that address both practical concerns and identity-based stigma.