Factors Related to Career Entry and Crime Victimization Risks of the Entertainer Career in Bangkok

Abstract

The entertainer career is a social phenomenon associated with victimization through violence, abuse, and coercion. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing individuals' entry into the entertainer career in Bangkok, assess the risks of crime victimization, and propose preventive and remedial measures. This qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with twelve key informants selected via purposive sampling. The sample consisted of: (1) two business owners, (2) eight young entertainers, and (3) two criminologists or police officers. The findings revealed that various factors contribute to individuals entering this profession, including social, family, economic conditions, personality traits, and job responsibilities. Furthermore,    it was found that entertainers face a high risk of victimization attributable to factors such as their workplace environment, commuting dangers, impaired judgment resulting from alcohol or substance use, interactions with diverse customers, and the ambiguity of existing legal measures. The proposed preventive and corrective measures encompass multiple dimensions, including enhancing safety measures in entertainment venues, promoting legal awareness among workers, providing survival skills training, and advocating for specific policies or legislation that protect the rights of workers within this sector. The findings of this study can serve as an endorsement for policy development, fostering enhanced safety and a concrete reduction in the risk of sexual harassment for individuals engaged in the entertainment profession.