For decades, Thailand has attracted tourists from across the world for its beaches, food, and vibrant culture.
In fact, Thailand ranks as one of the most popular countries in the world to travel to, with more than 32.4 million visitors in 2024 alone.
But there’s also another side of the tourism industry, one that’s especially popular with Western men. The presence of “girly bars,” “go-go bars,” “gentlemen’s clubs,” and the nightlife around them has become part of the country’s reputation.
To understand why this kind of tourism thrives, it’s worth looking at the economics. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Labour, the minimum monthly wage sits at about 24,485 THB, or $680.90 USD.
Meanwhile, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is roughly 20,067 THB ($632.30) before rent. That leaves very little margin for savings or family support. For some women, work in nightlife venues provides a financial cushion that’s otherwise hard to find.
American TikTok creator Dutch Jones (@heydutch1), who creates Thailand-based travel content, recently addressed questions about these bars in a video that drew over 668,000 views. As he put it, “I don’t make the rules. I’m just telling you how it is.”
American In Thailand Explains What ‘Girly Bars’ Are
Jones filmed himself walking near the beach as he broke down how the bars operate. “The number one question I get is about girly bars, bar girls, and bar fines,” he explained. “If you live here, you already know. But for people who’ve never been, let me walk you through it.”
He clarified that girly bars shouldn’t be confused with go-go bars or gentlemen’s clubs. These establishments are usually smaller, neighborhood-style bars—though some can employ up to 50 women at once. Not all are full employees of the bar.
“A lot of them are freelancers,” he said.
Once inside, customers are expected to buy drinks for both themselves and the women who sit with them.
“That’s really where they make their money,” Jones said, explaining that women receive a cut of the higher-priced “lady drinks.”
How Bar Fines And Payments Work
The arrangement goes further if a customer and a woman want to spend more time together. “Just because a girl works at a girly bar doesn’t mean she has to go anywhere with you,” Jones stressed.
But if both agree, the patron must pay the bar a “bar fine”—a fee ranging from 300 to 1,000 baht (about $8–$27). This compensates the venue for the woman’s absence.
What happens after that is up to her. Some women agree to dinner, clubbing, or longer-term arrangements, with prices ranging from 500 to 2,000 baht depending on the time involved.
Respect And Boundaries
Jones also warned viewers not to take rejection personally. If a woman quotes an unusually high price or cites another reason she can’t leave with a customer, “what that means is she really doesn’t want to go home with you,” he said. In those cases, the respectful move is to buy another drink, change the subject, and move on.
He also addressed the age gap dynamic that often draws criticism. “For young white men that visit Thailand, they have issues with it. For old white men, they love it,” he said.
While he thinks Western audiences often react negatively to this culture, Jones argued it’s part of a wider pattern across Asia and Latin America. He said, “Bottom line is, it’s all up to the girl. If she wants to go, she goes. If she doesn’t, she doesn’t.”
What Constitutes A ‘Girly Bar’?
A girly bar is a hostess-style venue where customers pay for drinks and attention, and sometimes more, depending on negotiations. They’re distinct from go-go bars, which focus on stage performances and often come with higher prices.
For travelers who want to avoid the girly bar scene, Thailand offers plenty of alternatives, from live music bars to rooftop lounges and night markets.
@heydutch1 Thai Girly Bars Explained! #dutchjoneslive #dutchjones #Thailand #travel #traveltiktok
Commenters Weigh In
Under Jones’s video, reactions were mixed.
“Only another 20 more years before I retire there,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Sounds better than America.”
Others criticized the dynamic more bluntly. “Pattaya is just a playground for foreigners,” one wrote.
BroBible has reached out to Jones via TikTok direct messages for comment.