Thais in Japan as prostitutes

Thais in Japan as prostitutes

BANGKOK (AP): Ninety percent of Thai women who travel to Japan are going there to work as prostitutes and are becoming a burden to the Japanese government, Thailand's ambassador to Japan said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Increasing numbers of Thai women are being lured into the flesh trade by large crime syndicates, said Ambassador Sakthip Krairiksh, adding that the problem needs to be addressed by both countries.

The comments were made in a statement issued by the Thai government to promote a joint conference to be held in Tokyo on Sept. 27 aimed at improving the image of Thai women.

Meanwhile, a survey by a top British condom maker released on Tuesday found the sexual habits of young Thais are more influenced by HIV/AIDS than in any other country, but they are the least likely to use condoms when they first have sex.