They wear skimpy skirts and booster bras. Minds dulled by heat, loud music and surreal lighting, one rouses herself a little at the sight of passing foreigners. The foreigners tell their friends that Thai people are very friendly. They neglect to mention that these same Thai people are lifeless, bored and snared in the sex industry. Two blocks east of the beach, the scene is dramatically different.
Women arrive on foot, on motorcycle or on the baht bus with their friends and boyfriends.
They are enthusiastic and smiling. They bring lunch to share. Some 150 people cram into a smallish room to join in the singing, laughing and dancing. They are taking part in the monthly celebration day at Fountain of Life, a non-governmental organisation founded by Catholic nuns which aims to help sex workers get a new start in life. Later in the morning, a doctor will speak to the women about Aids and safe sex practices.