Thai bill to legalise adult entertainment industry fails first reading

A bill aiming to legalise the adult entertainment industry and its associated products, including pornographic materials and sex toys, failed to pass its first reading in the House yesterday.

Sponsored by the Move Forward Party (MFP), the bill was introduced by Bangkok MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn last month. The proposal sought to amend Section 287 of the Criminal Code, which currently bans all forms of adult materials, including explicit images and sex toys.

The amendment proposed banning only specific types of pornographic content, such as those depicting sexual violence, rape, and paedophilia. Additionally, it stipulated that individuals under 20 years old would be prohibited from participating in the production of adult content.

MFP MPs who supported the bill argued that the existing ban on the adult entertainment industry restricts personal freedom. Sorapa Sriprat, an MP for Saraburi, stated that maintaining the current law makes society hypocritical and disconnected from reality.

“The ban on sex toys forces some individuals to seek alternative ways to manage their sexual desires, sometimes leading to sexual violence.”

Bangkok MP Phantin Nuamjerm supported the amendment, highlighting that it would prevent minors from working in the adult entertainment industry. He also noted that adult content is already widespread and should be legalised for better regulation.

“Legalisation would allow for more effective regulation and protection of workers in the industry.”

However, opposition to the bill was significant. Duangrit Benjathikulchairungruang, a list MP for the United Thai Nation Party, part of the coalition government, expressed concerns that the amendment could cause more harm than good if it did not provide adequate legal protection for those vulnerable to sexual abuse.

“Without proper legal safeguards, the amendment could exacerbate issues related to sexual exploitation.”

Dr Cherdchai Tantisirin, an MP from the Pheu Thai Party, voiced his opposition to the legalisation of adult content, citing the lack of existing laws to regulate sex services. However, he acknowledged that sex toys might have medical benefits and suggested introducing a separate bill to address this issue, reported Bangkok Post.