Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a member of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP), announced plans to propose a bill that would amend the Thai Criminal Code to legalize adult films and sex toys.

The announcement, made via a Facebook post on Monday, marks a potentially transformative step in Thai society’s approach to these long-taboo subjects.

Taopiphop, an MP for Bangkok, acknowledged the criticism his proposal might attract but emphasized the importance of bringing these issues into the open for transparent debate and regulation. He aims to submit the amendment bill to the House within the next two weeks.

The proposed amendment targets Article 287 of the Thai Criminal Code, which currently imposes a total ban on adult films and sex toys. Taopiphop’s bill seeks to:

1. Regulate Adult Films: Allow the distribution of adult films, provided they are accessible only to individuals over 20 years old and do not contain violent content, such as rape.
2. Control the Sale of Sex Toys: Permit the sale of sex toys, subject to industrial standards set by the Food and Drug Administration, to ensure their safety and to prevent the influx of substandard smuggled items.

Taopiphop argues that legalizing and regulating these industries can help control the content and quality of adult materials, thereby protecting consumers and potentially boosting the economy. He believes that addressing these topics openly can lead to better societal understanding and more effective oversight.

“I don’t want to see young people have easy access to pornographic media, but I would like to bring this issue out in the open so it can be discussed and monitored systematically,” he stated.

Thailand, despite its reputation as a destination for sex tourism, maintains a conservative stance on sex-related issues. Prostitution operates in a legal grey area, and pornography remains strictly outlawed. Sex work and related industries receive little to no support from politicians due to cultural and religious reservations, particularly in a predominantly Buddhist society.

Nevertheless, the sex industry is a significant part of Thailand’s economy. A 2015 study by Havocscope estimated that it accounted for 10% of the country’s GDP. This discrepancy between cultural conservatism and economic reality underscores the complex nature of the debate Taopiphop seeks to initiate.

Taopiphop is prepared to face opposition but is committed to advancing the conversation. “But as an MP, my duty is to push limiting thoughts and drive society forward,” he asserted. He expressed hope that legalizing these aspects of adult entertainment could enhance transparency, safety, and economic benefit.

The MP’s call for legislative change is seen as progressive and somewhat controversial, particularly given Thailand’s partially free status as per Freedom House, a global human rights NGO. The organization has criticized the Thai government’s censorship of the internet as a violation of basic human rights.

The proposed bill by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn reflects a significant shift towards modernizing Thai laws to align with contemporary societal behaviors and economic realities.

If passed, it could pave the way for more regulated and safer adult entertainment industries, marking a notable change in the country’s legislative landscape.