Prostitutes are not labelled the same in Thailand. They are commonly referred to as "bargirls" (BG) since most of them are employed in open-air "beer bars" all around the country. Most places that tourists visit you will find beer bars.
You can sit down at any bar as long as you order a drink. There will be no shortage of girls ready to serve you, light your cigarettes, play a game (Jackpot is a personal favorite), cool you down with a wet towel, massage your shoulders and of course, engage you in basic broken-English conversation. Most of the girls working in bars come from the poorer north-east of the country, but many come from all over to make relatively easy money to send back to the family. Most bargirls choose this life, as they can make in one night what the average local might make in a couple of weeks. The currency in Thailand is the
baht.
So if you're at a bar and you find a girl that you fancy, you can take the girl out of the bar by paying what's called a "barfine". This usually costs around 500-600 baht (approx $16-20) and is paid directly to the bar. Before doing this, it is a wise idea to organize prices with the girl for what happens afterwards. Prices can vary here. The minimum that one will pay is Bt500 usually for a "short-time" (a few hours), or 1000 baht ($32) for a "long-time" (all night and the next morning). The prices depend on the girl, how attractive you are and how much she likes you. Some have limits and no matter how much they like you they will not go below a certain price. The most I've ever been quoted was 2000 baht, but I've heard of other stunners going for around 4-5000 (usually in Bangkok Go-Go bars that cater to Japanese clientele). Personally I've never paid more than 1500 (and this turned out to be a disappointment). 1000 baht for all-night is a fair price.
What I usually do is see if a girl will hook up with me for free. Sometimes they will if you're cool or you both click and she feels like taking the night off work. Still, even if a bargirl sleeps with me for free, I will pay her out of respect. This is their work and usually their main means of survival, and they greatly appreciate the understanding. Also it keeps things professional, the last thing you want is a bargirl to get the wrong idea and think that you're genuinely interested in a relationship (or maybe you do want this). As a wise man I once met said "I don't pay them for sex, I pay them to leave!"
Chilling with bargirls is great fun, but be warned (especially if you're not experienced with women). These girls can be extremely attractive, alluring, seductive and addictive. Many men have lost their minds, their fortunes and even their lives after getting involved with bargirls. Also every attractive bargirl (and many less attractive ones) will have at least one guy overseas (usually multiple) 'sponsoring' them by sending them money every month. Usually this is paid to them under the agreement that they stop working in their bar and remain faithful, but this is rarely the case. Or sometimes they will honor their promise and leave the bars, but still work as a freelancer in nightclubs. Wouldn't you? Their monthly salary is being paid automatically and they do nothing. Also many have their main Thai boyfriend that lurks in the shadow or picks her up after a hard day's work. I'm not quite sure how they get around the jealousy aspect, but I'm sure the constant flow of money eases their sorrows.
So there you go, a quick breakdown on the infamous bargirl. By all means, hang out with them, have fun and get laid (always use protection obviously). Just be careful, chances are the nice sweet one you meet is not different, and a relationship with one is doomed from the start. The number of heartbreaking stories far outweigh the successes (although many exist). Still, there are plenty of 'normal' Thai women out there that are of much higher quality if that is what one is after.
Let me just say, that before visiting Thailand I had never slept a hooker. Never felt the urge, never even considered it once. But upon arrival in Thailand one notices that it is very different to a Western country. Bargirls are famous for giving GFE (girlfriend effect). Even though you both know it's a business transaction and nothing will eventuate, they still sometimes make you feel like you're in a loving relationship. This is where a lot of guys get sucked in. As long as you appreciate the GFE for what it is (a nice temporary experience) then you'll be fine. Many men have failed to take heed, and many are no longer with us..
