Thai sex workers protest shutdown with heels and panties

A group of sex workers and karaoke bar staff gathered at the Government House this morning to demand financial compensation from authorities. About 20 people lay high heels on the ground while others tied panties to the building’s front gate.

Since their workplaces – massage parlors, go-go bars and karaoke joints – have been ordered shut for months, the group arrived at around 9am Tuesday asking for THB5,000 (US$156) monthly stipends per person. 

One of the protesters, Sirisak Chaited, an LGBT+ activist who recently made waves with their gender-inclusive monkhood campaign, said that the government needs to treat sex workers as any other profession. Since Thailand’s sex trade attracts foreign tourists and brings large amounts of income to the country, Sirisak said, these workers deserve government compensation, especially during times of crisis.

“We’re…