First of all, figures from 2004 are out of date. I also do not know about areas outside of Pattaya. I've lived in Bangkok before but a long time ago.

You need to make a distinction between pedophiles and sex tourists. I don't even like the term "sex tourist" as Westerners who live in Pattaya, even if they are regular mongers they are not sex tourists or any type of tourist.

They are locals and part of the community. Even local Thais will agree with this. Regular visitors, those who visit four or five times a year are also often considered as locals.

There are various misconceptions and stereotypes about foreigners in Pattaya ( and probably Bangkok )

1)They ( we ) are all older sexual deviates or social misfits who can't attract women in our own countries or are unable to marry due to lack of resources or for otherwise being unattractive to Western women. If that was true then why are there plenty of wealthy and single/unmarried good looking Western men of all ages in Pattaya?

Sure, at least 75 per cent are over 50. A lot of them are good looking though and have money to burn. Still leaves thousands of fit and good looking younger men.

They can still attract Western women in their countries of origin. So why do they choose to live in Pattaya? The answer is obvious. They are more attracted to Thai women and the lifestyle and freedom a city like Pattaya can offer Western men. Many are MGTOW's who reject the social expectations of women and society.

2) Certain people ( mostly Western women ) see a foreigner with a young child in Pattaya and assume this foreigner must be a pedophile. Often it is the son or daughter of a guy who had a previous relationship with a bar girl. Or this guy lived in Thailand before, married and divorced his Thai wife and is now back in Pattaya.

3) Another stereotype is that Western men in Pattaya ( and also Thai men ) only like really young women. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many older men in Pattaya are not interested in any woman under 25. I've heard plenty of guys says "younger bar girls are immature and stupid". There are also many men who are not interested in women under 30 . That is why they will hang out or live in Soi Buakhao/Soi Dianne or LK Metro area or even on Second Road. The majority of foreigners in Pattaya hate pedophiles and there plenty of heavy duty enforcer types willing to sort them out.

The majority of bar girls now are older. Anyone with sinister intentions will have a hard time finding young boys or girls and there are people looking out for such individuals.

Girls at go-go bars must be 20 years old and men can't bring women under 20 back to hotel rooms. ID cards are checked.

In Soi 6, probably the most famous street, there are still younger women, all are over 20 however, many in early 30's even.

I don't abuse/mistreat bar girls, never have, and neither do my friends. If you are kind to them they return that kindness.

I'm not a pedophile, I don't like, support, or encourage pedophiles, never have. I don't lead the way either. I don't tell others where to go or how to find young girls. I don't know where to find them anyway.

No, I won't be giving any money to "sex tourism" prevention charities. I'm not Captain Save A Whore. I am not responsible for Thai women's poverty.

These women will not starve, there is plenty of free food and drink nearly every night. Plenty of ( stupid ) men give different bar girls money on a regular basis. Go to these "poor" Issan girls houses in the countryside and they are full of the latest flat screen TV's, refrigerators, washing machines, smart phones, etc. There is a new Japanese car in the driveway. This "poverty" claim is often bullshit, but I'll admit some women go to Pattaya because of poverty ( to start with )

I give money to other charities, Guide Dogs For The Blind, The Deaf Society, that's enough. As for jewelry, two bar girls helped me when I was sick, so I'm thinking of buying them some gold fusion earrings as a token of my appreciation. However, I never give women anything for free. You want something, get a job.

China will obviously have a larger number of pedophiles due to it's larger population. It is common sense. Why would only Thailand and Philippines have pedophiles? Or do you really think Chinese are more "moral" than other Asian people? That's not the case in my experience.

I'm not saying there are no pedophiles in Thailand or Philippines but blaming Western men for it is illogical and offensive in a way.

I live a moral and honest life and I respect others ( apart from mainland Chinese and Muslims, I don't like them )

I have no reason to feel guilt about anything.