Most European cities in fact have their red-light districts, to which their sex trade is largely confined.

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Such sordid realities were once in plain view, when notorious red-light districts were in full swing on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

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Bangkok has an entrenched sex tourism trade, but along with the red-light districts, there is also a percolating art and fashion scene, with galleries such as 100 Tonson Gallery showcasing rising stars, hip markets such as Made By Legacy selling mid-century Americana and boutiques such as Liberty Area One selling designer fashions.

BBC: Living in: Bangkok