Thailand’s sex workers have returned to the streets 10 days after the king’s death. Picture: SWNS/Mega
Thailand’s sex workers hit the streets in black lingerie
OCTOBER 25, 2016
Yasmin JeffreyThe Sun
THAILAND’S sex workers have returned to the streets 10 days after the nation’s beloved king Bhumibol Adulyadej died.
The country ground to a halt following the revered king’s death on October 13, as the government banned entertainment and work for 30 days.
But just more than a week after his death, scores of prostitutes were photographed on the streets in revealing maid’s outfits, black mini dresses and skirts, black boots and black garters out of respect for the king, reportsThe Sun.
Pictures snapped along Thai tourist hotspot Soi Cowboy in capital city Bangkok show sex workers — usually dressed in eye-catching bikinis — dressed in dark colours as they scout paying customers.
And just a kilometre away on Soi 4 near the city’s infamous Nana Plaza — home to dozens of strip clubs — hundreds of girls and transgender sex workers were snapped standing on the street wearing “respectful” thigh-high black boots and dresses as they rushed to “make up for lost money”.
In an interview with local reporters, sex worker Lek, 26, said: “It is still very quiet. Everybody is sad because the king died.
“But we have to keep working to make money. There is nothing else we can do.
“We have to go out and find the customer for money. We are wearing black dresses and boots to be respectful.
“We don’t normally wear big boots like this, Thailand is too hot. Maybe in two weeks we can get back to normal. We have to make money again for lost time.’’
Meanwhile, transgender sex worker Noi, 24, said: “We love the king. We love our country. The army understand this and they are letting us work again.
“The bars are open and the ladyboys are back. We’re open for business and we want the man to come and see us.
“Most of us wear black now. Black underwear and black dresses. We still have to remember the king.’’
While a number of Bangkok’s bars and clubs have reopened, their infamous neon lights are dimmed, music is played uncharacteristically quietly, and revellers may only dance behind closed doors.
Police and army patrols are also on hand to make sure venues close at midnight as opposed to 2am or 3am.
The king had reigned since June 9, 1946, and was two years younger than the Queen.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej — whose name means “strength of the land, incomparable power” — had been in poor health for a number of years and was rarely seen in public.
His popularity stemmed partly from his long reign, but he was also viewed as a pillar of stability.
Strict lese-majeste laws banned any criticism of him or the Thai royal family.
In August 2015, a man was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a Thai military court for insulting the country’s monarchy on Facebook.
Enjoying a godlike status within the south east Asian country, Adulyadej was also the world’s richest monarch with an estimated fortune of $40 billion.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha announced that the new monarch will be Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Despite the announcement, Thai people are forbidden by law to discuss the succession.
The Prince will have a formal coronation after the king’s cremation, following a year-long mourning period.
About 150,000 Thai nationals gathered outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok to sing the national anthem in honour of the king on Saturday.
This article originally appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
