A Thai student has revealed how she ended up performing sexual flavours for up to $150 per hour after becoming a masseuse to make ends meet.
Joy* who lives in Australia on a student visa, earns an average weekly income of around $1,500 to $1,700 for five days working in the massage industry.
The woman aged in her 30s, had worked at several massage parlours in Sydney for a year where she provided legitimate massages only, SBS Thai radio reported.
But the temptation of earning fast cash changed her mind – and eventually, she found herself offering sexual services ranging between $20-$150.
Joy* earns an average weekly income of around $1,500 to $1,700 for five days working in the massage industry (pictured Joy, who has asked to remain anonymous)
‘The first time I offered a hand job, I was quite scared and panicked because I had never done it before,’ Joy tells SBS.
‘I asked myself “why do I have to do this?”
‘But at the same time, I told myself, “It’s ok. For money, for money”.’
Joy usually earns less than half of the total fee paid by clients from the business owner if she performs a standard massage.
‘For example, for $70 per hour. The owner will get $40 and I get $30,’ she explained.
To earn cash-in-hand payments, she would provide her separate ‘extra services’ by negotiating with the clients inside the massage rooms.
To earn cash-in-hand payments, she would provide her separate ‘extra services’ by negotiating with the clients inside the massage rooms (pictured Joy at work)
She admits her job is risky but hopes the income she makes will give her a better future for her and her family when she returns to Thailand (stock image)
Here, she would reveal the fees for the services, including ‘hand relief’ or masturbation, and nude massage where she would perform a normal massage naked. Other services includes oral and penetrative sex.
She charges between $20-$150 for her ‘extra’ services, and she gets to keep the full amount – meaning the owners do not receive a cut of the cash.
Joy revealed she never felt encouraged or required to get STI checks despite this being a mandatory requirement for management. She also said some businesses don’t provide condoms.
She admits her job is risky but hopes the income she makes will give her a better future for her and her family when she returns to Thailand.
Her insight into her job comes as part of a report led by SBS Radio’s Thai program that has uncovered the hidden sex work culture of Australia’s Thai massage industry.
*Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.
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