Abstract
This paper analyzes the determinants behind the spatial distribution of the sex
industry in Thailand. We relate the development of the sex industry to an early
temporary demand shock, i.e., U.S. military presence during the Vietnam War. Comparing the surroundings of Thai military bases used by the U.S. army to districts close to unused Thai bases, we find that there are currently 5 times more commercial sex workers in districts near former U.S. bases. The development of the sex industry is also explained by a high price elasticity of supply due to female migration from regions affected by an agricultural crisis. Finally, we study a consequence induced by the large numbers of sex workers in few red-light districts: the HIV outbreak in the early 1990s.
industry in Thailand. We relate the development of the sex industry to an early
temporary demand shock, i.e., U.S. military presence during the Vietnam War. Comparing the surroundings of Thai military bases used by the U.S. army to districts close to unused Thai bases, we find that there are currently 5 times more commercial sex workers in districts near former U.S. bases. The development of the sex industry is also explained by a high price elasticity of supply due to female migration from regions affected by an agricultural crisis. Finally, we study a consequence induced by the large numbers of sex workers in few red-light districts: the HIV outbreak in the early 1990s.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | jvx037 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1540–1576 |
| Number of pages | 37 |
| Journal | Journal of the European Economic Association |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Early online date | 9 Nov 2017 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2018 |
Research Groups and Themes
- ECON Applied Economics
- ECON CEPS Data
Keywords
- Persistence
- Industry location
- Sex industry
- HIV/AIDS
Access to Document
- Full-text PDF (accepted author manuscript)
This is the author accepted manuscript (AAM). The final published version (version of record) is available online via Oxford University Press at https://academic.oup.com/jeea/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jeea/jvx037/4609693 . Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher.
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Professor Yanos Zylberberg
- School of Economics - Professor of Economics
- Migration Mobilities Bristol
Person: Academic , Member