171 men arrested in a high-profile police raid of a gay sauna in Kuala Lumpur under suspicion of “immoral activities” had to be released on bail, as the court found there was no evidence to support charges of “unnatural intercourse” or “prostitution exploitation” (offenses under the penal code), since none of the men admitted to being “victims” of these crimes. However, Malaysia’s Minister of Islamic Religious Affairs said they were exploring ways to charge the men under Shariah law for “attempted sodomy.” Among the men arrested were a number of law enforcement and government officials. 37 foreigners were also detained.
In neighboring Thailand, once known for its traditional sexual tolerance, police raided a gay sex party at a Bangkok hotel, arresting seven naked men and confiscating poppers, condoms, tubes of lubricant, packs of Viagra, and cock rings, all arranged neatly in a photo released to news media as if this were a major drug bust. The nominal charge was production and distribution of obscene content, since the party was being filmed to provide promotional clips on social media for future parties. The sponsor was also charged with “organizing obscene acts for commercial gain” because his parties charged a nominal fee of about US$9 to participate.
