gisw13_chapters

frequently asked questions on Teenpath.net, but isseldom asked of Thai parents.The internet as a channel for SOGI activismPeer support groups on the internet can supportpeople with different sexual orientations and genderidentities (SOGI). User-organised online platformsfor SOGI and specific gender- and sexuality-relatedinterest groups can provide counselling, share lifeexperiences and often extend to offline support andconnections, such as discussion groups for thosewho want to come out.The internet is also a new frontier for campaignson sexual identities, sexual health and genderidentity issues. Gender and SOGI activists use socialmedia to recruit new participants to online andoffline campaigns, such as mobilisation to reduceprejudice and homophobia on the International Dayagainst Homophobia and Transphobia. The Anjareeand Saphan groups, for example, use the internetand social media to raise awareness on genderidentities, and to counter haters and misconceptionsin mainstream society, such as by affirmingthat lesbians, gays and trans people are not “mentallyill”.The internet as a space to explore sexualitiesBecause of the repressive cultural norms on propersexualities and legitimate relationships (i.e. sexwithin marriage), which are heavily promoted bythe Thai state, individuals use the internet to escapeconventions by exploring sexual practices andintimate relationships by themselves.Unlike girls in the United States who mayface cyber bullying after their half-naked photosare published on the internet, Thai teens enjoypopularity and fame from posting sexy half-nakedphotos of themselves as a way to gain acceptance.Due to the wide distribution of affordable smartphoneswith high-definition cameras, the practiceof teenagers aged 13 to 20 taking pictures of themselvesand sharing the photos on social networksites, such as Facebook, has become popular andfashionable.The most notable example was a teenager withthe Facebook username Nuey Pramannanlae. Inearly 2005, she became an online celebrity attractingadmiration among Thai teens after she postedhundred of photos of herself in various sexy poses.Most of the photos show her wearing tight shirtsor dresses and focus on her breasts. This inspiredother teenage girls to imitate her. Since 2006, numerousNuey copycats have appeared, revealingthemselves to a greater degree – going beyond sexyto half naked, to nudity. Many of them show half ormost of their breasts. Some have gone further byposting pictures of themselves making love. Mostof these did this purely to attract attention and gainadmiration.The internet as a space to escape repressionMainstream Thai society has strict rules on whatproper intimacy should entail: heterosexual relationshipswithin the monogamous marriageinstitution, which is promoted by the state and themainstream media. Additionally, the law also criminalisescertain sexual activities, such as partnerexchanges and sex shops, as “indecent”.Cyberspace allows the opportunity to escapefrom the “norm” and lets people explore sexualitiesand enjoy a sexual freedom that is not allowedin the offline world. For instance, online platformsprovide even wider opportunities for dating, suchas casual relationship personal web boards, andwebsites for Thais seeking Thais and Thais seekingforeign partners. Explicit casual dating websitesand online dating services are not blocked by Thaiauthorities. Websites such as www.sexdatenow.netoffer localised dating services as well as warningsabout consensual casual relationships and condomuse.Despite being criminalised under Thai law,swinging parties are not a new phenomenon, butthe internet has decentralised the practice, movingit from paid organised events to self-organisedappointments through social media and onlinewebsites where couples can check one another’sdetails. Some websites may require membershipfees. Most of the websites require registration toprevent police crackdown and arrest under theCCA.Sex shops are not legalised in Thailand. Buyinga sex toy in a roadside shop in a tourist night bazaarcan be an awkward experience, especially for women.Online sex shops offer a better experience andanonymity for women and buyers in general. Somewebsites also have women receptionists or are operatedby women. “Ae AengKa Oratai” (in Thai) and“Morning Love” are examples of YouTube users thatadvertise sex toy products with educational sexologyvideos and product demonstrations for women.Some online sex shops also feature products forLGBT people.Under the current legal framework and culturalnorms, online sex shops help overcome legal barriersand embarrassment for women and LGBTpeople who seek pleasure by allowing them to remainanonymous and enjoy privacy.226 / Global Information Society Watch