Please don’t judge

After reading “Sex trade empathy” and other opinions regarding those involved in the sex trade, I’d like to share an experience with you. When I came to Thailand for the first time in 1996, I strolled down Patpong one early morning. A mama-san was sitting in front of her establishment having a coffee. “Hey, farang”, she called. “Come, join me in a coffee”.

Not knowing what Patpong was all about, and thinking this was Thai hospitality, I joined her. She asked me to “teach business English” to her ladies. I was a bit naive, this being my second day in the country. However, we became good friends, and I’d sit with her and teach “business English” (you can guess the content) to her ladies, one of whom had a little boy with her.

Over the years, even after moving upcountry, I’d always go to Patpong to visit. The little boy is now a young gentleman who has a college degree from Chula and soon to wed. Momma is a retired elderly lady, and still, whenever I am there, it is always the same. “Leung Jack, come, gin-kow and have a beer with us. It is always so nice to see you”.

Yes, I would support measures to help these sex workers. Why should they be treated any differently? Under it all, they are Thai, and like all those in need, they deserve financial help. Who is anyone, self-righteous or not, to judge?

JACK GILEAD