State of denial: Thailand needs to come to grips with its debt problem and other economic ills. But the business community and the government are reluctant to face the facts

Article Abstract:

Thailand has a wide current account deficit leading to high interest rates and the financial sector is further weakened by the high price of money. There is a property glut due to excessive property investment, and prospective buyers are typically offering less than asking prices. The smaller finance companies are expected to suffer and an alternative would be to merge finance companies, but it is difficult to combine family-run businesses. The government has responded to the export slowdown with fiscal and monetary measures, but some believe that they should pay more attention to further developing the economy.

Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development, Economic Development NEC, Economic aspects, Thailand, Economic development, Economic indicators

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For lust or money

Article Abstract:

Booming Asian economies are changing the sex trade and bringing new players in, most notably China, now a leader in both supply and demand. Asians, especially Chinese, are boosting demand for younger girls and virgins, both in hopes of rejuvenation and in a misguided effort to avoid AIDS since younger girls are less likely to use condoms. Stronger economies boost local wages but also women's earning power, making migrants a more appealing source of workers. Many families sell their children, and kidnapping is rising. Pressure groups concentrate on child prostitution.

Social aspects, Prostitution, Juvenile, Child prostitution

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On the margin: organized crime profits from the flesh trade

Article Abstract:

Organized crime groups throughout Asia thrive on the sex trade, making the bulk of the profits in a multibillion-dollar industry. Taiwanese gangsters run it in China's Hainan province, while the triads rule Hong Kong's large nightclubs and massage parlors. Japan's yakuza work with the Hong Kong triads to transport women to Tokyo, and the Russian mafia moves Eastern European women to Macau. Most of the flow is into Thailand and Japan, often by women who know they may be forced into sex work but hope to waitress.

Organized crime

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