The deputy municipal officer criticizes the 'Sukhumvit Model' for cracking down on sex toys but argues enforcement should focus more on e-cigarettes and drugs. He points out that in the modern world, laws should be reformed to allow legal sales, stop hypocrisy, and help stimulate the economy.
Information from the personal Facebook of Dr. Worachon Thawornpong, Deputy Director of the Municipal Office, Bangkok, Sukhumvit Model states: "Stop the hypocrisy! Thailand is one of the world's top producers of sex toys for export, but using them domestically is illegal?"
Isn't it strange? Our country is a leader in producing “massage” devices exported worldwide (Thai natural rubber is excellent!). Foreigners widely use products "Made in Thailand," but when Thai people try to obtain them, they are accused of using “obscene items” and must buy them secretly as if they were illegal goods.
Yet these are items that support mental health and help reduce sexual assault issues. How huge is the financial value involved?
The global market in 2021 was as large as 1.3 trillion baht and is expected to reach 2 trillion baht by 2030! If we accept this reality and promote “Made in Thailand” products made with premium Thai rubber, we can greatly increase the value of rubber products. Money will flow into the country without relying solely on tourism! Look at the sex creators on OnlyFans, who currently have over 120 million members and about 1 million video producers earning more than 100 billion baht.
This group works hard and generates massive income for the country, but the law has not kept pace. They must operate secretly, fearing the Computer Crime Act, even though this is work earned through their own sweat and bodily rights.
The policy we must push is to unlock sex toys: stop viewing them as obscene items and classify them as controlled goods with safety standards. Focus on “sexual well-being.” Sex creators are professionals: organize the industry properly, protect workers, and prevent them from paying bribes under the table.
Turn bribes into taxes: collect taxes effectively for the country and use the revenue to develop public welfare.
Set clear age controls: amend laws so adults can use these products with strict and clear age verification systems. The world has moved far! It is time to bring “under the belt” matters into the open, link them with the rubber industry and global markets, and genuinely generate income for Thai people.
Thairath Online's special news team inquired with Dr. Worachon Thawornpong, Deputy Director of the Bangkok Municipal Office, who said that according to 2025 statistics, over 200 sex toy items were seized under the 'Sukhumvit Model,' with municipal officers conducting arrests almost every month. Personally, he believes that in the modern world, these items are not considered immoral or harmful to health if they meet standards. The law enforcement against sex toy sellers in Bangkok, especially near entertainment venues, is not actually the municipal officers’ duty. However, when arrests occur, sellers are charged with selling goods in public areas, but the case must be passed to police because the municipal office cannot prosecute this offense. Practically, he prefers not to control sex toy sellers but rather focus on cracking down on illegal products like e-cigarettes.
Currently, some countries view sex toys as health-related items. Personally, he wants laws amended to allow free purchase of sex toys but with controls on age and product quality so society can be more open and crime reduced. On the other hand, this will stimulate the economy. It must be acknowledged that most sex toys are produced in Thailand because of the high-quality rubber.
He disagrees with the 'Sukhumvit Model' crackdown on sex toys. If laws were changed to permit their purchase and sale, it would also boost the domestic economy.