[Elect G-Max]

In the thread about Somalia, Godstud opined that Thailand was fairly close to libertarian. Given that prostitution is officially illegal there, I'm curious about how accurate this statement is.

[Soixante-Retard]

Compared to what?

[Eran]

An easy quantitative measure of libertarianism (though clearly partial) is the Index of Economic Freedom.

On it, Thailand is ranked #60, making it freer than Poland, France and Portugal, but not as free as Spain, Israel or Mexico.

[mikema63]

Well that's not really the only relevant measure, it certainly isn't more relevant than civil and political liberties and the size of the police state.

[Eran]

Indeed. It is merely a convenient quantitative reference to one aspect of libertarianism (or, conversely, government oppression).

[Elect G-Max]

Compared to what?

Compared to the ~140 other countries in the world.