Throughout the fall, RealStars Stockholm has been able to continue its important work of reaching out to women working in Thai massage parlors. This work plays a crucial role, as our process leader often has the opportunity to visit salons and discuss the situation with the women there. Some of them face daily sexual violence and harassment.
RealStars visits Thai massage parlors to support these women, inform them of their rights, and empower them—both emotionally and in their professional roles. We are there if they decide to take the next step. According to the Swedish police, around 80 percent of Thai massage parlors in Sweden are involved in prostitution, meaning that women in the industry are subjected to paid sexual abuse by sex-buying men. At the remaining parlors, women still face advances, harassment, and sexual misconduct from men who believe they have the right to exploit Thai women.
Despite limited resources, RealStars has made it a priority to visit these parlors. During our visits, we provide women with materials containing information on where to seek help, how to contact the police, as well as signs and stickers that indicate the salon does not welcome sex buyers.
“Now My Salon Is Doing Better Than Ever” – Sunantha’s Story
Sunantha, the owner of Hässelby Massage, shared her experience with us. She constantly receives requests for “happy endings” from men and faces anger and demands for refunds when she refuses to engage in sexual acts.
When we followed up with Sunantha to see how she was doing, she told us that since putting up our sticker saying “All Attempts at Purchasing Sex Will Be Reported” on her door, hardly any men have come in trying to pressure her for sex.
She also told us that when women visiting her salon realized how much harassment she was experiencing, they started recommending her to all their friends. Now, her business is thriving, and she can welcome customers she actually trusts.
“I was so happy that it worked—I wish I could put stickers all over the building!”
For a long time, the women working in Thai massage parlors have been overlooked in terms of societal support. We must work together to shut down salons that exploit women, while also supporting those who are simply trying to do their jobs as massage therapists.
“I’m so tired of society seeing us only as prostitutes. There needs to be more respect for our profession.”
—Anonymous woman working at a Thai massage parlor
Thai women should not be defined or sexualized because of their profession or ethnicity. Together, we must challenge this harmful attitude and ensure these women receive the respect they deserve.
