Patpong Sisters: An American Woman's View of the Bangkok Sex World

This controversial book offers numerous insights into the lives of marginalized women in a society characterized by racial and gender discrimination, inequality and injustice. Unlike any of the other reviewers, most likely, I took it upon myself to search out and read in its entirety a copy of author Cleo Odzer's doctoral dissertation, which draws heavily on relevant and reputable research literature in the social sciences conducted over many years. The dissertation offers many insights grounded on a solid academic foundation. 'Patpong Sisters' does make reference to some of the research literature, but does not purport to be the academic work submitted for the doctorate. Rather it is a work meant for a general audience, and succeeds admirably in its effort to provide informative and illuminating insights into the world of marginalized women workers of the 'demimonde', individuals already consigned to underclass status because of their darker skin and provincial origins.

This book is the result of 3 years of research for a dissertation by a then-Anthropology student earning her Doctorate. A lot can be learned by reading this book. There are ample amounts of sociological and basic factual information concerning Patpong business norms and the mechanics. Through interviews and questionarres It also covers the thoughts, feelings, motivations and lives of the women and Men (Farangs) who spend time in this area. What follows is my response to those who criticized the author because she described her relationship with Jek in the book. That friendship was useful in gaining information and allowed the author to further immerse herself in the sub-culture she was researching. But it also reveals that the U.S. government funded this "research" and it took an entire calandar year for the author and researcher to actually get started on her work. After communicating with Dr. Odzer I have heard that she is now deceased.

Patpong Sisters should be required reading for anybody coming to Thailand. Not only is it an interesting perspective on the seedier side of Bangkok nightlife (re: the sex industry), but it also provides an interesting glimpse into cross-cultural relationships.Having lived in SE Asia for almost two years and Bangkok for three months, I have (to a certain extent) learned "the rules of the game." But many people come to Thailand to visit and are overwhelmed by the experience. Often they find themselves lured into relationships (or straight business transactions) without understanding "the rules of the game"--which can lead to many problems as the fantasies give way to reality.I strongly recommend this book to anybody coming to visit Thailand who might consider entering into a cross-cultiral relationship. All too often, travelers come to Thailand and are enamoured with the friendliness and beauty of the Thai people and are unaware of the excitement, complexities and problems of cross-cultural relationships. Read Patpong Sisters and be prepared!

I really liked this book. I ordered it to get a better understanding of the sex trade in Thailand. But ending up learning more than that. It does provide an idea of how the sex trade is run in Thailand, but I also found the book useful in understand the Thai culture. Finding information, that I never found when reading books about Thailand. I would recommend this book to anyone who might be going to Thailand.

Dr Cleo Odzer put a lot of effort and reseach into a subject most folks are afraid to even talk about. Her book Patpong Sisters is a winner. She does not hold back. Well written and easy to read and understand. She is a gifted writer