<div> <div>In response to a recent report that labels Pattaya as the “world’s sex capital”, the junta head has announced a crackdown on prostitution.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On 21 February 2017, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister and junta head, announced that he will <a href="http://prachatai.com/journal/2017/02/70207">order the police to uproot Pattaya’s sex industry</a>. </div></div>

<p>A civil society group for sex workers is urging the Thai authorities and media to stop discriminating against sex workers, saying although the sex industry contributes substantially to the Thai economy, sex workers suffer stigma and a lack of protection.</p>