Thai prostitution is caused by widespread poverty in some parts of Thailand.
Whole areas of Bangkok and Pattaya have given away to prostitution and large numbers of beautiful Thai bar girls in Thailand work within it. In fact, the western term, prostitute is not how Thai society or culture sees it. Many Thai bar girls from poorer backgrounds come to work within the prostitution industry in Thailand to assist families or from lack opportunity. This fact, combined with Thai social structure, where polygamy is still tolerated and where many Thai men think it a right to have a Thai girl as a mistress, promotes a different culture to that which exists in western or other foreign countries. Essentially, the prime reason for Thai prostitution is economics or poverty while Thai society and the history of Thai prostitution allows it to flourish.