Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - November 24, 2005
Anjira Assavanonda
Kittiphan Kanjina, of Youth Net, endorsed the condom use campaign. He said teenagers today are unknowingly at risk of being infected with HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and condoms are their best protection.
He cited statistics which indicated that one-fourth of new HIV infection cases in the country are young people between 14-25 years old.
Also, he said, a number of teenage girls had the problem of unwanted pregnancy and many ended up having abortions.
"With all these risks, I think condoms are very necessary for teenagers today as they are basic prevention tools. Condoms can prevent Aids and pregnancy, which would save many youngsters from being dropped out of school," Mr Kittiphan said.
Opponents, however, argued that promoting condom use is not the right solution.
Kittisak Wongtrakul, of Pure Love Project, raised concern that the condom campaign would create wrong attitudes about the value of sex.
"Many youths today are getting addicted to sex, regarding it as something irresistible. But they do not realise the true value of sexual relationship as a means to build up a warm family and bring about a new life," he said.
In his opinion, not every youth needs condoms. His Pure Love Project has divided young people into three categories - pure group, risk group, and sexually addicted group.
Only those in the sexually addicted group need condoms, he said. The other groups simply need moral teachings to enable them to live and love properly.
"Instead of giving them condoms, we need to advise them when is the best time for them to have valued sex," Mr Kittisak said.
Just being an adult does not mean someone is ready for sex, he said. More importantly, not every sex partner can become a parent. He cited a 1993-2003 survey among married couples which showed the number of divorces had almost doubled from 46,952 couples in 1993 to 77,735 in 2003. This implied the condom campaign could not help improve people's sexual behaviour, he said.
Condoms could only block problems but they could not help young people to achieve maturity and sense of responsibility, he said.
Another condom campaign supporter Saengsunee Julachao, of V-Teen Group, said nothing is wrong for girls to carry condoms with them. It's up to them to choose whether to get into a sexual relationship or not.
Mr Kittiphan said that he, as a condom use campaigner, would like teenagers to view the condom as a close friend they can always turn to in time of need.
051124
BP051106
Copyright © 2005 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .