The sex worker right group Empower Foundation is preparing to launch a campaign to collect signatures to introduce a bill to parliament repealing the 1996 anti-sex work law and outlining protection for sex workers.

On Saturday (8 March), activists in Chiang Mai staged an International Women’s Day march from Tha Pae gates to the Three Kings Monument carrying signs calling attention to gender equality issues, from abortion rights and the legalization of sex work to calling for support for women facing violence in Myanmar.

<p>Thai sex workers and supporting organisations are petitioning for a legalisation of the sex industry.&nbsp; In the meantime, the illegal status of the industry leaves loopholes for corruption, human rights abuse, and inequality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the Covid-19 pandemic, most sex workers have no income and no social security but are able to apply for the government aid scheme, says the Empower Foundation in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/296033753854158/photos/a.308609862596547/1668104156647104/?type=3&amp;theater&amp;ifg=1">statement</a> on Tuesday (12 May), which also called for the legalization of sex work and for sex workers to be able to join the social security scheme.</p>