International Child Sex Tourism: Enhancing the Legal Response in South East Asia

South East Asia has earned the dubious reputation of being the world's prime child sex tourism destination. While a number of commentators have analysed extra-territorial legislation in the home countries of travelling child sex off enders, this article assesses the laws in the South East Asian destination countries in order to stimulate debate and action on much-needed reform. Unfortunately, few provisions in national legislation specifically address child sex tourism as a distinct form of sexual exploitation. To enhance the legal response to this abhorrent crime, it is recommended that national legislation directly address child sex tourism. Further, given the transnational nature of the crime, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) should urgently adopt a multinational approach that synchronises national legislation and complies with, or exceeds, the minimum standards prescribed by international law.