Lunlabelle case unmasks dark secret in Thai society
Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2019 3:19 pm
Police seal off a house in Bang Bua Thong where young model Thitima 'Lunlabelle' Noraphanpiphat was hired to attend a party before she was found dead on Sept 17. Patarapong Chatpattarasill
Nauvarat Suksamran
28 Sep 2019
As investigators probe the death of young model-for-hire Thitima Noraphanpiphat, more is being revealed about the murky world of this service industry, including illicit drug use and commercial sex.
And it's not only illicit drugs that are found in such places. Also well known is that some of the models hired for such parties sell sex. Some do it intentionally, but other young women are lured into illicit acts through blackmail or the use of drugs.
Gangster-types frequent such places, which are scattered in the outskirts of Bangkok, in order to stay under the radar of the law. Some double as small restaurants or pubs so as not to attract the attention of authorities. It's also an open secret that the very same authorities often have a hand in these illicit businesses, enabling the gangsters to operate.
Reports indicate that pretties are often well educated and from relatively well-off families, but are forced into the "grey" business because they cannot make ends meet with conventional jobs. Some may not want to be involved in drugs or sex, but fall victim to pressure from gangsters who frequent this murky world.
The Lunlabelle case has gripped the nation. But admit it, the "Bang Bua Thong party" is nothing new. Such gatherings have become trendy among drug users.
full https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opi ... ai-society
