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Miss Bangkok: Memoirs of a Thai Prostitute
Miss Bangkok uncovers the hidden world of a go-go dancer in Thailand's vice city, Bangkok. Bua Boonmee gives us an insight into the life of one of the capital's bar girls and exposes the 'Sometimes I wonder was I born to be unfortunate; is this life my destiny? I pray to Buddha that this not be the case.
My life seems to be that of a country girl who has spent her days escaping from a tiger, only to be eaten by a crocodile. Mine is an ever worsening tale with no end in sight.' You see, I am a prostitute, though farangs prefer to call women like me 'bar girls'. I believe the term is more acceptable to westerners' ears. But to a girl like me, it is all the same.
'You can buy me for 2,000 baht a night. In return, I will do anything that is asked of me, but I won't kiss customers- some things are just too intimate to do with a stranger. Kissing is for a wife or girlfriend; sex is for Thai girls like me. "Miss Bangkok" is a vivid, powerful and moving memoir of a life spent in prostitution in Thailand.
Poor and uneducated, Bua Boonmee escaped an abusive marriage only to end up in the go-go bars of Patpong. There, in the notorious red-light district of Bangkok, she succumbed to prostitution in an effort to support her family. Bua's story is one of resilience and courage in the face of abuse and poverty. Her confessions will make you laugh and cry, cringe and applaud. She will change your perception of prostitution forever.
My life seems to be that of a country girl who has spent her days escaping from a tiger, only to be eaten by a crocodile. Mine is an ever worsening tale with no end in sight.' You see, I am a prostitute, though farangs prefer to call women like me 'bar girls'. I believe the term is more acceptable to westerners' ears. But to a girl like me, it is all the same.
'You can buy me for 2,000 baht a night. In return, I will do anything that is asked of me, but I won't kiss customers- some things are just too intimate to do with a stranger. Kissing is for a wife or girlfriend; sex is for Thai girls like me. "Miss Bangkok" is a vivid, powerful and moving memoir of a life spent in prostitution in Thailand.
Poor and uneducated, Bua Boonmee escaped an abusive marriage only to end up in the go-go bars of Patpong. There, in the notorious red-light district of Bangkok, she succumbed to prostitution in an effort to support her family. Bua's story is one of resilience and courage in the face of abuse and poverty. Her confessions will make you laugh and cry, cringe and applaud. She will change your perception of prostitution forever.
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 3, 2014
Memoirs, especially of those whose first language isn't English is often written very poorly and simplistically . It takes away character development and leaves little to none level of empathy. This book is none the different. The publishers (Maverick house) have found their golden goose (prostitution based in Thailand books) and all books, in their rush to head to the book shelves, do no justice to the main character or theme. Therein lies perhaps the saddest factor about these books - that women as Bua and their stories are still exploited for cash.
The writing is on par with Fifty shades of Grey. The character has a passive voice and often resigns to playing the victim. I don't know if it's poor writing/translation or the fact that the character refuses a number of opportunities and then chastises the work she's in. As an Asian woman who has worked intensively with child prostitutes in Asia I found this book did nothing to raise awareness but instead the vivid description of sex scenes and 'funny customers' takes away from the issue. It is a shame because knowing what we know of the sex trade if only it went to a better ghost writer, and publisher which instead of using sex to sell could have sold us visiosn fo decaying humanity and perhaps inspired someone.
The writing is on par with Fifty shades of Grey. The character has a passive voice and often resigns to playing the victim. I don't know if it's poor writing/translation or the fact that the character refuses a number of opportunities and then chastises the work she's in. As an Asian woman who has worked intensively with child prostitutes in Asia I found this book did nothing to raise awareness but instead the vivid description of sex scenes and 'funny customers' takes away from the issue. It is a shame because knowing what we know of the sex trade if only it went to a better ghost writer, and publisher which instead of using sex to sell could have sold us visiosn fo decaying humanity and perhaps inspired someone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
4.5 stars for me.
This book is a quick book, but not always easy to read. I will say that the prostitution part of the book was a lot easier to read than the other stuff, which was a surprise. She even says in the book that she was luckier than some of the other prostitutes.
I loved how she brought in the cultural aspect of Thai people and how they would react to things. This really helped me get an insight into Thailand itself. I will say that this book is not the best written book and there were some repeated/contradictory things, but I couldn't put it down. I wanted to finish her story. I wanted to know that she would be okay. Although, she probably won't as she gets older, which is sad. This book also makes me weep for humanity, but it's also an eye opener on what people/countries do and contribute to this issue. Not everyone will like this book, but I think it's worth the read.
This book is a quick book, but not always easy to read. I will say that the prostitution part of the book was a lot easier to read than the other stuff, which was a surprise. She even says in the book that she was luckier than some of the other prostitutes.
I loved how she brought in the cultural aspect of Thai people and how they would react to things. This really helped me get an insight into Thailand itself. I will say that this book is not the best written book and there were some repeated/contradictory things, but I couldn't put it down. I wanted to finish her story. I wanted to know that she would be okay. Although, she probably won't as she gets older, which is sad. This book also makes me weep for humanity, but it's also an eye opener on what people/countries do and contribute to this issue. Not everyone will like this book, but I think it's worth the read.
July 8, 2015
Miss Bangkok was a book a picked up in a bargain bin outside of a newsagent along with two other books. In all honesty this type of novel is not my usual type, in fact most novels like this I will completely avoid. I'm not sure if it was the pretty face on the cover or the whispers of tragedy that tugged at me to get it but in the end Miss Bangkok came home with me and the other two; she also happened to be the first I chose.
Miss Bangkok: Memoirs of a Thai Prostitute isn't exactly a dense novel, you're not going to be straining to get through it. It's light, it's easy and to be honest even the choice of font is a little big, especially for my tastes. However, once I started I struggled to put this book down.
Miss Bangkok delivers a fantastic story, there are times through Bua's life were you're praying for something good to happen, you're cheering her on for her courage and her heart, but then, there are also times when you just want to smack the girl.
This is a story that really makes you connect with the character, I feel that even if Bua wasn't real I would still feel the way I do. Even with it's easy tone you feel as though you're there, you feel as though you're sitting in front of Bua as she pours her life story out to you and when it ends, you're praying that she's okay, you're praying things got better and you may even just be wishing to give her a big hug.
This was a surprisingly good read. It contains a lot of graphic scenes however and may not be for everyone give it's red light lifestyle but any time I come across someone who may just be interested in this type of biopic, you can sure bet that I recommend it.
Miss Bangkok is the perfect easy read for the commute to work, the light read before bed, any time really. Just prepare yourself. Not all stories end by the end of the novel.
Miss Bangkok: Memoirs of a Thai Prostitute isn't exactly a dense novel, you're not going to be straining to get through it. It's light, it's easy and to be honest even the choice of font is a little big, especially for my tastes. However, once I started I struggled to put this book down.
Miss Bangkok delivers a fantastic story, there are times through Bua's life were you're praying for something good to happen, you're cheering her on for her courage and her heart, but then, there are also times when you just want to smack the girl.
This is a story that really makes you connect with the character, I feel that even if Bua wasn't real I would still feel the way I do. Even with it's easy tone you feel as though you're there, you feel as though you're sitting in front of Bua as she pours her life story out to you and when it ends, you're praying that she's okay, you're praying things got better and you may even just be wishing to give her a big hug.
This was a surprisingly good read. It contains a lot of graphic scenes however and may not be for everyone give it's red light lifestyle but any time I come across someone who may just be interested in this type of biopic, you can sure bet that I recommend it.
Miss Bangkok is the perfect easy read for the commute to work, the light read before bed, any time really. Just prepare yourself. Not all stories end by the end of the novel.
August 14, 2009
This was a very good look into the life of a "bar girl" or prostitute in Thailand. I don't know much about Thai culture at all so the little details, the day to day things, were much appreciated by me. Boonmee (a fake name for the sake of this book) turned to this way of life as a way to feed her children after a series of bad relationships. I can't imagine how horrible things must have been for her for this to be the only way she can keep her family fed. It's amazing how well some people have it while others have nothing...literally nothing.
Bua Boonmee wrote a decent memoir and while her family still was unaware of her profession at the time this was published, hopefully one say she'll hand it to them so they know exactly why she had to go this route.
I wish her nothing but luck and am thrilled to have learned more about Thai culture in general, not simply the prostitution part.
Bua Boonmee wrote a decent memoir and while her family still was unaware of her profession at the time this was published, hopefully one say she'll hand it to them so they know exactly why she had to go this route.
I wish her nothing but luck and am thrilled to have learned more about Thai culture in general, not simply the prostitution part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2008
quick and easy read. i felt sad for her throughout the book wishing there was some way i can help her and women in her situation out.
December 19, 2019
Who can underestimate the power of a mother's love??
Who can discern their thoughts, emotions and paths?
A moving story told in first person.
The use of varieties of emotive words keep the novel flowing.
Bua, so resilient, brave and independent.
How I admire her!
Who can discern their thoughts, emotions and paths?
A moving story told in first person.
The use of varieties of emotive words keep the novel flowing.
Bua, so resilient, brave and independent.
How I admire her!
February 3, 2008
An amazing book for anyone wanting to get the inside scoop on prostitution in Thailand!
January 25, 2018
As someone who's recently spent a few years in Thailand, I'm always interested to know more about Thai people, and the true lives they lead.
Bua's account of her time working in Patpong definitely made me realise that there's an awful lot more to a "bar girl" than what us farangs think.
I felt huge pity for her in regards to her upbringing, and the relationships with men she attracted. Yuth and Chai were obviously bad men that I wouldn't wish for any woman to settle with.
An interesting account. I would recommend to people, especially ones that frequent Bangkok.
I would've given 5 stars, however I felt like there could of been have a slight improvement on the way it was written.
Bua's account of her time working in Patpong definitely made me realise that there's an awful lot more to a "bar girl" than what us farangs think.
I felt huge pity for her in regards to her upbringing, and the relationships with men she attracted. Yuth and Chai were obviously bad men that I wouldn't wish for any woman to settle with.
An interesting account. I would recommend to people, especially ones that frequent Bangkok.
I would've given 5 stars, however I felt like there could of been have a slight improvement on the way it was written.
February 29, 2008
Interesting book, read it right after going to Bangkok. Kind f expected more to be honest. Its a heartbreaking story and very interesting and a quick read but nothing too special to be honest.
June 13, 2024
This is an excellent book. Full of humanity and incredibly honest and personal.
Perhaps only education can bring people out of poverty, ignorance and a chance to change their destinies. In some parts of the world such as Thailand and Phillipines selling one's body is no longer a choice but a necessity for survival, and the judgemental goes out of the window. Poor family planning and lack of education, (and in the case of the Phillipines a deeply catholic country where abortion is banned) brings out terrible suffering to the population. Much of this can be avoided. In the case of author we see the life of a young woman being thrown into chaos when the most important decions of a young womans life was made out of ignorance, in the face of poverty and lack of guidance.
The stories that she tells resonates with that you hear on the ground. Visiting Thailand and speaking to the bar girls you often hear the same stories of their lives not too different to that of the authors, their description of Thai men and Thai husbands. Perhaps there are a couple of instances when the author made execuses, rationales and facts that are simply untrue in order to simply justify her actions and dishonesty. The author assumes she is the victim of her consequences, but perhaps she had at the same time gotten used to that lifestyle and "easy money" to be continuously trapped inside it without much savings. Perhaps we shouldnt be so harsh nor judgemental.
What I do find interesting is that it reveals the mentality of Thais and their culture. From the book the uneducated are still very provincially minded, choosing a male partner who is able to provide for her. Security comes before love. The pragmatism of Thai women is repeated many times throughout the writing. It is not just Thai women seeking out Falangs for support and receiving money. The same mentality applies also to Thai guys. Her ex husband was expectes to give her money to continuously provide for their son.
Finally the author writes she still hopes to find a "rich Falang who can come and rescue" her. At the of all the sufferings, trials and tribulations she is not looking for love but security. Perhaps love is a luxury we take for granded in the developed world when our basic needs are met by the government. Perhaps real life is much more difficult, more raw and those who struggle through life understand at a deeper level what it means to be alive than the rest of us.
Perhaps only education can bring people out of poverty, ignorance and a chance to change their destinies. In some parts of the world such as Thailand and Phillipines selling one's body is no longer a choice but a necessity for survival, and the judgemental goes out of the window. Poor family planning and lack of education, (and in the case of the Phillipines a deeply catholic country where abortion is banned) brings out terrible suffering to the population. Much of this can be avoided. In the case of author we see the life of a young woman being thrown into chaos when the most important decions of a young womans life was made out of ignorance, in the face of poverty and lack of guidance.
The stories that she tells resonates with that you hear on the ground. Visiting Thailand and speaking to the bar girls you often hear the same stories of their lives not too different to that of the authors, their description of Thai men and Thai husbands. Perhaps there are a couple of instances when the author made execuses, rationales and facts that are simply untrue in order to simply justify her actions and dishonesty. The author assumes she is the victim of her consequences, but perhaps she had at the same time gotten used to that lifestyle and "easy money" to be continuously trapped inside it without much savings. Perhaps we shouldnt be so harsh nor judgemental.
What I do find interesting is that it reveals the mentality of Thais and their culture. From the book the uneducated are still very provincially minded, choosing a male partner who is able to provide for her. Security comes before love. The pragmatism of Thai women is repeated many times throughout the writing. It is not just Thai women seeking out Falangs for support and receiving money. The same mentality applies also to Thai guys. Her ex husband was expectes to give her money to continuously provide for their son.
Finally the author writes she still hopes to find a "rich Falang who can come and rescue" her. At the of all the sufferings, trials and tribulations she is not looking for love but security. Perhaps love is a luxury we take for granded in the developed world when our basic needs are met by the government. Perhaps real life is much more difficult, more raw and those who struggle through life understand at a deeper level what it means to be alive than the rest of us.
April 28, 2021
This was a very quick read as the language is simple and the font large.
"Bua" narrates how her parents' broken marriage and her own lack of education slowly edged her into a life of prostitution.
Her story is sad, and the ending is bleak as she holds to her Buddhist convictions that her woes of this life are merely a phase to get through until she can do better in her next chance at life.
"Bua" gives insight into the plight and mentality of Thai prostitutes. This book reads like a very straightforward account, as if you are sitting down and listening to her recount her whole life, it's so matter of fact.
Here are some interesting quotes:
1. I was now stuck with a job with no real prospects; hostessing usually just serves as a stepping stone into prostitution.
2. Men can earn merit by becoming monks, while women sell their bodies to feed their parents' materialistic craze.
3. Contrary to what most people believe, it is usually women who recruit other women into vice.
4. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, and so the bars can't actually charge customers to buy a girl out. ( People pay a release fine)
5. Once outside the hotel I counted the money. I had 4,000 baht in total. It would be the equivalent of almost a month's wages if I were working in a factory. I had easily enough money to feed and clothe my family.
6. No bar girl will ever admit to having a partner or being a mother- and truth be told, no farang really wants to hear the truth. They have paid for the privilege of enacting their fantasy, and an exotic young nymphomaniac fits the bill much better than a financially destitute mother of three.
7. Thai women tend to evaluate a relationship first and foremost in terms of a man's potential to provide them with a proper home and income.
8. Contrary to what our customers would like to believe, bar girls do not enjoy selling their bodies.
"Bua" narrates how her parents' broken marriage and her own lack of education slowly edged her into a life of prostitution.
Her story is sad, and the ending is bleak as she holds to her Buddhist convictions that her woes of this life are merely a phase to get through until she can do better in her next chance at life.
"Bua" gives insight into the plight and mentality of Thai prostitutes. This book reads like a very straightforward account, as if you are sitting down and listening to her recount her whole life, it's so matter of fact.
Here are some interesting quotes:
1. I was now stuck with a job with no real prospects; hostessing usually just serves as a stepping stone into prostitution.
2. Men can earn merit by becoming monks, while women sell their bodies to feed their parents' materialistic craze.
3. Contrary to what most people believe, it is usually women who recruit other women into vice.
4. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, and so the bars can't actually charge customers to buy a girl out. ( People pay a release fine)
5. Once outside the hotel I counted the money. I had 4,000 baht in total. It would be the equivalent of almost a month's wages if I were working in a factory. I had easily enough money to feed and clothe my family.
6. No bar girl will ever admit to having a partner or being a mother- and truth be told, no farang really wants to hear the truth. They have paid for the privilege of enacting their fantasy, and an exotic young nymphomaniac fits the bill much better than a financially destitute mother of three.
7. Thai women tend to evaluate a relationship first and foremost in terms of a man's potential to provide them with a proper home and income.
8. Contrary to what our customers would like to believe, bar girls do not enjoy selling their bodies.
January 1, 2019
I think this book was an informative, interesting book to read. Having never been to Thailand nor spent time with a prostitute I found learning about Bua's hard life quite believable. Behind the veneer of the shows and displays of sex there exists a tough, sad life for the women involved. The book brought a lot of that to a reality check for a guy like me who has never really thought about it. These poor women who hope to get away by being found by a farang or "sugar daddy" have virtually no hope to make more money doing something else. The poverty they come from sounds horrible. So many of her clients only care about themselves and have little compassion to help. She expresses that in her quote "...often wondered if the farangs who frequented Patpong ever stopped to ask themselves why we chose this life." I hope she has found a better life by now. I also will always wish that people would be nicer to each other.
July 7, 2022
The book teaches us to be much more grateful for the things we may take for granted. Although sometimes criticism can be found in the comments that the author (Bua Boonmee)does not make good choices....essentially they are blaming the victim, some people may never had exprience poverty, deprivation, lack of support...Bua Boonmee is actually a very brave woman, with a lot of love and compassion, even if the world doesn't return any of it. She is, nevertheless, an extraordinary mother, despite all the tragedies and horrors in her life that she has experienced, she is still a bright light ...though alone in the dark. I hope that she has found some peace and happiness in a world that has taken so much from her and given so little back.
March 10, 2026
Living in Thailand for the last 18 months, this book gave me insight into the lives of the “bar girls”. I’ve always known that most of them don’t go into that profession because they want to, but because they and their families need the money. My husband and I have a few bars that we frequent, only to drink at, but we always buy the “lady drinks” for our waitresses and ensure we tip them well. I do hope that they don’t have the abusive home life that Bua does/did. 😢
This is a quick read as the writing is not complex and the print is larger. I recommend it as a must read for anyone interested in visiting Thailand so you gain a better understanding of the culture of the “bar girls” scene.
This is a quick read as the writing is not complex and the print is larger. I recommend it as a must read for anyone interested in visiting Thailand so you gain a better understanding of the culture of the “bar girls” scene.
July 14, 2018
It wasn’t terrible and I learned quite a bit about how prostitution works in Thailand. Of course I was upset with the abuse and her not leaving, shit like that drives me crazy especially when there is a bullshit excuse of staying for the kids. That makes it worse! Also mathematically speaking I can’t figure out where all the money they make goes, do they want to stay poor and not save? I never got that. I might recommend to a friend who wants to understand how an illegal occupation is so rampant and how it’s done legally.
September 23, 2019
It's a super quick read and an interesting glimpse into the life of a sex worker in Thailand. It is unfortunate that sex work is looked down upon here. I think sex work should be legalized globally and respected. The book was written by a ghost writer but the writing was still very amateurish. There isn't much character development and the attempts to be poetic were cringe. Still entertaining and eye-opening though. I recommend it to anyone interested in Thai culture and sex work from a more personal point of view rather than an academic one.
June 17, 2021
Cómo puede ser que un libro sobre el que tenía tan pocas expectativas haya podido cambiar mi visión sobre un tema tan tratado como la prostitución .Qué diferente se ve la prostitución cuándo empiezas a conocer la historia de esa mujer, cómo se crió cuándo fue niña, el calvario que tiene que vivir en su casa cuando sale de su "trabajo"...
Pobres 😥😥
Pobres 😥😥
October 24, 2025
The only alternative for education stands in meaningful work. Prostitution doesn't dissolve any negatives in Bua's life; it magnifies them. Abuse, abuse, abuse. No salve accepted from Bua. Her wealthy sister extended a helping hand but Bua rejected it not wanting to part from her children. ( I feel I would have left and sent money back to Thailand.) Bua Boonmee is not a woman to be envied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
I was so hoping for more complex insights into this woman's life but somehow the translator seems to have simplified her into a caricature I have a difficult time believing actually exists as she's written.
January 30, 2025
A harrowing story at times, mixed in with a cheeky wit and a look into the stories of Bangkok's seedy districts. The writing was a little basic, as can be an issue with translated works, but overall it was a good read. Though not sure I can forgive the editor who missed "waited with baited breath"
March 17, 2020
I have to think about this one.
July 15, 2020
Highly recommended
I haven’t read a book as interesting and disheartening as this one. Truly amazing book raw and very realistic in sense.
I haven’t read a book as interesting and disheartening as this one. Truly amazing book raw and very realistic in sense.
May 3, 2022
Interesting look into a pretty sad life.
June 11, 2022
A beautifully told but heartbreaking story of life at the bottom of Thai society
March 1, 2026
Bleak.
July 6, 2023
I hope all the women in this book find peace one day. And I hope all people who pay for sex feel guilty about it for the rest of their lives
March 6, 2017
A sad story but you have to be objective - 1) she missed lots of opportunities that others simply would never receive but chose not to follow them up and 2) what else could she have done to make ends meet? Sure her lot was bad but as in The Jungle (Upton Sinclair), people do what they must to survive. Poverty sure is a scourge on life for all those it inflicts.
July 25, 2016
After reading Not For Sale and Disposable People, I found myself wanting to learn more about Thailand and it's reputation for a rather sordid nightlife and underground human trade. Both this and Bangkok Boy I picked up at the Bangkok Airport and both books were a compelling read - how a life of poverty, little education, and abuse leads to a life of prostitution. But the human side of it, why she chose to stay where she was, is also important. Seeing people as people - not as commodities - is very important.
November 11, 2016
Bangkok Siyam’ın yani Tayland’ın başkenti. Bangkok Güzeli tam bir kitap sayılmaz. Belki yazarı da gerçek bir yazar olmayabilir. Rahatsız edici. Batılı ülkelerin vatandaşlarının Asyalıları sömürüsü anlatılmış. Ayşe Kudat’ın Doğan Kitap’tan çıkan Satılık Erkeklik kitabında Norveç Hükümetinin ülke dışındaki fuhuş turizmini kısıtladığı yazıyordu. Ancak yakın zamanda yayınlanmış bu kitapta Norveçli aktörler de var. İki puan.
April 2, 2014
Good enough for the story it told, but the writing wasn't very good and the story wasn't anything special. Basically what you might stereotypically expect, seemed really generic. I expected it to be a little deeper and grittier. But if you're looking for a quick, easy read to give you insight to how prostitution might work in Thailand this is your book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews