But even though this may seem surprising to some, prostitution is actually still illegal in this country. The Stand Against Prostitution Vietnam has, over the years, relaxed its stance on enforcing this ban. Image source: news. This is supported by proponents of legalisation of prostitution in Vietnam, who say the move is critical, as it will likely reduce the transmission of HIV among sex workers.
Image source: 3. Hong also said that bringing sex services into special areas is something other countries have done, with positive results. Image source: nguoinoitieng. This resulted in an announcement last December by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc that the Politburo had granted permission for Vietnamese citizens to gamble at two casinos in the country; one being built in Phu Quoc Island and a new one to open in Van Don.
However, comparing gambling to prostitution does not take the sex workers into account, many of whom currently live under the constant threat of disease and abuse. The Other Factor In an article by Thanh Nien News , sex workers expressed their opinion about the possible legalisation of sex work. She also said sex workers like her have to deal with exploitation by pimps and brothel keepers. Image source: baomoi. The debate on legalising prostitution also introduces the dilemma of whether the country can uphold its traditional Confucian values while making way for increasingly liberal laws.
Opponents of legalisation also fear that a proper lack of enforcement could see prostitution spiral out of control, normalising it to a degree similar to the trade in Bangkok, which is cheekily referred to as the sex capital of the world.
However, even if sex work is actually legalised in Vietnam, no concrete plan details how the authorities will deal with the trade. Banner image source: saigoneer.
