Documentary Bangkok girl (video)
Bangkok girl is a documentary from 2002. The story in this video is about a 19-year-old woman who, like so many others, ends up in the nightlife of Bangkok in search of happiness and a better life.
The 2002 documentary “Bangkok Girl” is a Canadian production directed by Jordan Clark. This film offers an intimate look at the life of a young Thai woman named Pla, and her interactions with foreign tourists in the city of Bangkok. The documentary highlights the complex and often controversial subject of sex tourism in Thailand, although Pla himself is not directly involved in the industry.
Through the lens of the camera, we get a glimpse into Pla's challenges, dreams and ambitions, as well as the socio-economic pressures she faces. The film questions the ethical dilemmas surrounding tourism in developing countries, especially in an industry often associated with exploitation.
It should be noted that “Bangkok Girl” has been the subject of some criticism. Some argue that the film gives a one-sided, Western view of the issue and can therefore paint an incomplete or even distorted picture of the complexity of life for women like Pla in Bangkok.
Still, the documentary provides a useful starting point for discussions about sex tourism, economic inequality and the consequences of globalization in countries like Thailand.
VideoBangkok Girl
Watch the documentary below:
is an impressive movie
What a beautiful documentary, such a sweet beautiful girl, unfortunately this story can apply to the thousands of bar girls.
Beautiful poignant documentary about a sad life of one of the - unfortunately - many young girls in Thailand. Pla is no more, but her place will soon be taken by another victim, who also hopes to earn some money and/or encounter a good “farang”. Unfortunately, they go to the wrong places for that. Most of the "farang" that come there have a heavy pinching cut and are therefore not so generous. That is also the reason that they settle in these places. The visible gentlemen in the documentary were also a poignant example of what I always say: All men who are ignored even by an old ladies bicycle in the west. Besides the price, also one of the reasons that they come to these kinds of places.
It's one of the reasons I avoid places like this even more than the plague. With every visit you maintain these kinds of excesses. Something must be wrong in your upper room if you ignore it or don't see it.
I agree with you Hans. It is too easy to lump visitors and employees in this kind of order together as one big beastly intention of profiteers who cause many victims. The British teacher seems like such a derailed, pathetic (alcoholic?) type with little respect for his fellow human beings and therefore deserves little (even less?) respect himself. But decent people also come there, just for a beer, a game of pool, a chat or even for an evening of entertainment, but who treat the people there decently and with respect.
But perhaps Bacchus' point is that decent people on this earth can also meet each other elsewhere in a slightly different setting (a "normal" bar?) but that does not make the pathetic types disappear. They seek their entertainment elsewhere, deeper underground in bad massage parlors or back rooms. And there will always be ladies and gentlemen offering their services. Prostitution is prohibited in several countries, but the disgusting exploiters, derailed customers and prostitutes (m/f) continue to exist. And in the back alleys things really don't get any better... Then I'd rather see things more open and preferably legalized. In my opinion, there is still a chance that you can identify derailed customers and service providers as an authority (police, emergency services, etc.) and intervene. Would it help if an authority were to call out a person like the English teacher about his behavior? That he is allowed to have fun, but that his attitude is very rude... Or maybe he needs help with an alcohol problem. I dare not say it, some people will not have it in their nature to care about their fellow man, but you really can't stop those nasty people by tackling openly legal/illegal prostitution.
As for the documentary: beautiful in design, although you can criticize the execution. It is clearly made on a budget, not a technical and quality feat. For example, the camera work is “a little less” and the filmmaker sometimes pushes on a lot. His intentions and questions sound sincere, but the way of asking questions is sometimes too confrontational. Pla also at times shows that she is uncomfortable, not only with regard to her life experience, but also the fact that the maker asks the question in the appropriate way. There's no point in asking too many questions if people don't come up with a story of their own accord. For example, I wonder if Pla didn't go with clients before the documentary maker met her. Maybe, maybe not, we'll never know.
There are many sad stories behind the barren world of prostitution in Thailand and everywhere else in the world. There will probably also be beautiful stories from those who were spared such suffering - even in the nick of time. I don't think there is anything wrong with prostitution itself, if two adult people come to an agreement together with full understanding and sincerity, you as an outsider have nothing to interfere with it. The sometimes sad reality that lurks in the sector is something that hopefully every normal person wants to put an end to. An end to despair and injustice that makes people do things like selling their bodies, drug running or similar practices because it is or seems to be the only way out. But to portray all or even the vast majority of the men and women you encounter in bars, etc., as either victims (service providers) or perpetrators (customers)? That really goes too far for me.
I did some googling and found rumors that Pla is fortunately still alive and living in Europe. That the reason for her “death” would be to escape the MIB (man in black, the Thai politician), or the documentary maker or even (I don't think so) with the knowledge of the documentary maker for extra drama. I hope the rumors are true, but who knows? See also this interview with the maker: http://www.thethailandlife.com/interview-jordan-clark-producer-director-bangkok-girl
Nevertheless, Pla's story remains poignant and moving, even if you know that she didn't tell the whole truth and the creator couldn't portray the whole truth and complexity of Pla's life. It still offers a nice insight (with the emphasis on -je). All in all a great view, one tile, one perspective on one life in this big world, the big, complex mosaic of life.
Dear Hans, your response fits in the context of the first paragraph of your own response.
If the house rules of this blog were to include that an apology should be offered for every – according to the opinion of others – oversimplified statement, this blog would be better called “excuse blog”. In the context of “read what you want to read” and “put on the sandal when it fits”, I therefore did not intend to heed your call.
I have written before that I am far from a moral knight or decency missionary. I have nothing against prostitution either! When two adults can relate to a business arrangement that serves both parties, there is nothing wrong with that.
However, we are talking about something completely different here, namely exploitation! And yes, I have an opinion on that. In fact, I condemn that! As stated in the documentary and quoted by you, all too often this is downplayed and/or overlooked out of hypocrisy and/or self-interest.
The vast majority of these ladies are in a (negative) spiral. They get – the word earn would be misplaced – too little to build a decent life. In addition, they have no rights whatsoever and this is gratefully used by “clientele”, “employer” and the police. The ladies are often fobbed off with a Jewish tip, for which you will not even be looked at by the first heroine prostitute behind CS Amsterdam, let alone taken seriously! There is no point in protesting, because then you will either lose your job or get the police on your roof! This also came out clearly in the documentary!
I avoid these places like the plague! I don't want to contribute a baht to this sadness and to maintain it with this; because that's what you do as a visitor. Not a big and too difficult task, because I don't feel at home, to put it mildly, with the average bum (see documentary: guest boat party and English “teacher”) who frequent these kinds of occasions. The self-proclaimed “decency rats” who do either downplay or don't want to see the problem out of hypocrisy or self-interest. I prefer not to close my eyes and in any case make a very small contribution; also with my comments!
Nevertheless, I will not begrudge you and your wife a meatball in these kinds of occasions if you feel happy about it!
Many things are being put into my mouth that I have not said, or in this case written. But good, reading well and especially understanding what is written, often turns out to be difficult. Likewise here!
I would like to start by expressing my great appreciation to the moderator. Assessing each reaction on its house rule merits is no easy feat. Certainly in discussions like the one above, where words are sometimes played, this requires the necessary craftsmanship. Cheers!!
Other than that I will leave it at that, since the substantive value of a more far-reaching discussion only negates the clearly visible suffering in the documentary. This had already been warned against in the documentary by means of the text “triggering and not wanting to see out of hypocrisy and self-interest”. In this case as far as I'm concerned it's equal to the equals!
Dear Kees, poverty is indeed the foundation of this misery. That's what makes it so sad, because poverty is also exploited by the bar owners and their clientele. They are very aware of the fact that these ladies have nowhere to go.
I know stories of ladies who were thrown onto the street with a Jewish tip (or nothing) after services rendered. When they comment, they are handed over to the police by the “client” through the bar or hotel for illegal prostitution. The consequences may be obvious!.
Eliminating this problem will be difficult due to the many financial interests involved, but every little bit helps; so also respond to a blog like this, if only to paint a correct image.
Unfortunately, many turn a blind eye to this problem. Of course out of self-interest, because it's nice for the ego when the hair is caressed by a young beautiful wench, which you used to only dare to dream of.
Beautiful moving film and what a shame that such a girl, who has had too much misery at this age in her life, also had to die so young. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes after watching this movie.
Unfortunately, it is not an isolated story. I have had many conversations with Thai barmaids and unfortunately they are often pressured from home to make a living in this industry. I know a girl who, if she didn't transfer enough money to the family at the end of the month, she got her brother to visit and who then beat her up. And seeing Pla in this movie made me want to meet her and help her, as I was able to do with two of my Thai friends. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible at Pla. RIP Pla!!
Pon and I watched the video together.
What a girl. You would like to have her as your daughter and take care of her.
You hope the video shows along the way that she's going to be okay.
We were shocked, we had to listen to it again and hoped we hadn't understood it properly.
My God girl, what can we still do now, what can we still bless.
I so hope for you that there is a heaven. Then you will be there for sure. Then you will find your happiness there
what you have had to do without here in your much too short life.
How I wish I had said it right now. You're doing well, Pal
Pon and Kees
Gripping documentary! The girl keeps smiling, but during the smile you can see the sadness in her eyes. Sad!
There are so many girls like Pla and not only in Thailand, quite one-sided documentary, should you go and see after a night out in pattaya what is still around looking for a falang, but too old or too ugly or too scarred to be there anymore to conquer one, and the girls who only work behind the bar and do nothing else, do you believe that yourself, or do you want to believe it because it fits in the documentary. Pla says "everyone has his story" she speaks a good truth there, you, she, we, everyone has his story, every country has his story. Leave it like that and don't bring your morals to a country with a completely different mores, that doesn't fit, that doesn't work and you don't help Pla either!!!!
I know I can't really add anything new to the comments that have been provided. All I can say is that this movie brought tears to my eyes! I am 75 years old and I know that there are a lot of abuses in this world, but a person (read soul) does not deserve to have to leave life in this way! I can only hope that at least God will amply compensate her to ease the suffering she has endured! No one deserves this!
I sincerely hope that there will prove to be a heaven in which she will finally find peace and tranquility.
Unfortunately she won't be the first, but also won't be the last who won't be able to handle this kind of life and the worst part is other people are doing this to you!
Ton van den Brink.
Very nice film / documentary, had seen it before. really impressive
Unfortunately, this does not only happen in Thailand.
Only Thailand has gotten a bad reputation in this area.
You will find this everywhere where poverty and corruption reign, so I think the same movie under a different sun is the same.
In many Eastern Bloc countries – South American countries, and fill in the details yourself.
Jan Beute
Gripping, indeed.
My current wife, down to all gestures!, had the same story and background. Too bad for this very beautiful fish that she couldn't hang on to a nice Farang. Many lies on her part, and yet much deeper truths: we cannot -could- not compare our western welfare society with the Thai reality of 2002.
A lot has changed since then. Many - very reasonably paying - jobs have been created in Thailand. The real extreme poverty has disappeared for many.
The ladies who are still in the bar prefer to work for a drink than to go with a customer, short or long time. If they do, it will cost a god's fortune compared to 2002, for which you also come out very well in the Netherlands with a benevolent student who wants to earn something on the side.
In short: nice documentary, but very dated by now.
Dear editors, thank you for reposting “Bangkok girl”. I was very surprised that the video was up today. Why surprised??: I had a dream about this video last night. I wanted to look at it one more time and ask you to replace it again. As a very loyal Thailand blog reader, I am surprised to see the reposting of this poignant video this morning. Chance?. May be, but maybe there is more between heaven and earth than I think. Ben
Nice documentary, I'm speechless.
Enjoy your life and stay respectful.
Regards Joop
I have already seen this documentary several times and continue to review it...it brings tears to my eyes but also the realization that this is reality...thousands are ready, whether or not pushed by parents, to take this place...unfortunately I I have also helped several girls... in the hope of giving them a better life... but unfortunately... the chance of relapse is so high... you can't blame these girls... it's just that way and for many, especially family, this is just work!!!! you cannot win this battle……………………this has nothing to do with naivety but pure reality….the search for happiness and a good man is nipped in the bud by the exploiters………….this is thailand! !!!
Watched the video very quickly.
What an exceptionally beautiful girl, a real natural beauty, but oh so childish.
I don't have any problems with the age differences that you often see between Thai women and Western men, but with this girl even a 5 year age difference would be unbearable.
She acts like a 12 year old child (in her talking and the attitude she adopts), I say this without criticizing her.
When you watch and listen to that retarded, underdeveloped macho in the video at minute 36,40, my stomach turns.
I don't have an ounce of physical aggression in me, but you would really enjoy giving that marginal person a few blows.
If that man had been educated, could write his name correctly, could count to 10, what a loser!
What a despicable character, imagine if they were a couple!
I find it moving that many voices here on Thailandblog are moved by the story of v
I find it moving that many voices here on Thailandblog are moved by Pla's story. Those are the people with empathy! Cut from the right stuff.
At the same time, they must be aware that they are moved by a fictional story and film. You cannot equate the fictional story with 'reality'. After all, fiction means 'made up'.
The film is a subjective snapshot of the director and the more real he presents his story, the more believable his narrative.
Concretely and objectively, it deals with how a person, a girl, tries to survive. All over the world there are young women trying to survive and who have nothing to offer the world other than a nice face and an attractive body. No, no intelligent ICT qualities, no physical added value for the 400 meters, no language skills as a mediator in conflicts. For 2 million years, physical attractiveness was the trump card that the female half of humanity could play.
In the highly emancipated West, women can afford to be important on the basis of other characteristics. And to ignore male horniness.
Unfortunately, this does not apply to 2/3rds of the world's population.
There is no point in wishing a different fate on 2/3rds of the world's population, when it will lead nowhere.
An attractive body or face is big business and there is a chance that this way (sometimes, just once) you can get out of the swamp. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
So: compassion for women who are physically committed is beautiful and heart-lifting, but it does not solve anything regarding their concrete situation.
This is not about abuse but about economics. There is a need, the demand is high, the supply is plentiful, so the price is low. No reason to marry a woman and offer a steady future perspective.
The market is merciless.
Well Alphonse, women also often had important tasks and therefore influence in “less emancipated societies”, for example arranging and distributing all kinds of matters in the village or community. Women could use power to direct affairs. Tino once wrote a piece about the matriarchal society of ancient Thailand. It is actually only since capitalism that you can speak of a disruption, which goes back some 200-300 years in Europe and in Siam actually only from the end of the 19th century. So about 150 years ago. If this disruption has only been around for such a short time and is already being vigorously combated in the West, I would not speak of the fate of the world population that the market/economy is so merciless.
No, there is a good chance that women in Thailand and elsewhere will also pick up that emancipation, resistance against the merciless market, and can settle this battle sooner than the time it took for this in Europe, building on the experiences and experiences of their predecessors elsewhere. It is possible that some white-nosed people will not be happy about that, that Thailand will no longer be Thailand...
I agree with you that nothing will change with empathy alone, but I am confident that the struggle for change in society and socio-economic conditions is also seeing and will see changes in Thailand.
I placed Bangkok Girl around 2005 on various Home pages, such as Thailand, Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket. I also received a lot of response about this documentary. I had to post it in 2 parts, because I couldn't post it on these Home pages in one go.
Also another movie.
Lilet Never Happened made in 2012 in the Philippines. Made by a Dutchman. It is a film, but through this man's experience you see what happens to women who have to sell their bodies. This man has also made several documentaries in the Netherlands about prostitution.
Peter
Dear,
Although I appreciate such documentaries, I found the 'storyteller' quite convinced of his own right/worldview. How 'afraid' he would be of scams, because as a white man he would be a prominent target...
And just as he doubts Pla's sincerity, I doubt the filmmaker's true intentions.
The word 'exploitation' was rather bandied about here. It is still the women who determine how or what happens.
I now even have my doubts about Pla's death. How does the man know that? Didn't he add that to tie in a bit of Hollywood drama?
Line didn't exist at the time or it wasn't common...
Just my opinion!
Best regards,
All well and good, but if I had met Jordan I would have advised him not to publish his documentary because of the possible repercussions this could have for Pla, which I think unfortunately there have been.
You always have to separate your head and your heart...
Sad story, sad (outcome) for that girl…
Can we call them “woman”? No, this is a girl who, because of her naivety, is dragged into a world where you have to earn money by making a percentage on drinks, by selling your body.
My fun is taken away if I even come close to such places...
Only if I were that English-speaking moron with teeth that were in a shooting gallery at the fair, I would pay a lot to keep her out of the hands of such people...
This child had - or deserves - a better life...
Deserved more…
More information:
https://www.reddit.com/r/InternetMysteries/comments/11uixwn/the_documentary_called_bangkok_girl_seemingly/?rdt=38175
“UPDATE (OCT 18,2010) – After watching the film I immediately suspected that the apparent death of Pla, was nothing more than a typical story told by Thai bar girls when they no longer want to speak with someone. After some investigation, I have seen several stories from people who say they were working in the same bar district where Pla worked. I have seen stories written by friends of Pla and people who know her well. While I have yet to see concrete proof, I feel that there is more information to suggest that Pla is in fact alive and well, than there is to suggest that she is dead! Jordan Clark, CBC television and everyone involved in the making of the film “Bangkok Girl”, have a lot of explaining to do!, Here is a statement from one of Pla's friends: “Khun Pla is alive and well, living a very successful married life outside of Thailand, with the ability to come and go as she pleases. The content of Jordan Clark's trash may turn out to be very damaging to her and her loved ones.” I will continue to update this page and provide further proof when it becomes available. ” (https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212957/http://www.vanitytours.com/v/articles.php?article_id=3158)
Moving documentary, and a young girl who died far too early