Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - January 28, 2006
Sirikul Bunnag
The plan is being dusted off by health authorities who said it would help contain the spread of HIV/Aids and other sexually-transmitted diseases among youngsters.
Mr Chaturon yesterday said he has no objection to the plan, but suggested that, in light of public sensitivity, schools and universities should have the freedom to decide whether or not to allow condom-dispensing machines on their premises.
The institutions which agree to join the project must also work with the Public Health Ministry to organise sex education and HIV/Aids prevention programmes on their premises, he added.
Mr Chaturon said it is imperative that the two ministries work together to systematically promote the right value and perception about sex among the young.
"Young people must be made aware of the choice they have and of the proper path they should be taking," he stressed.
The education minister said the decision by academic institutions to join the scheme must not be profit-oriented. "If that was the case, then the move would be no different from putting up condom dispensers in a hotel," Mr Chaturon said.
People who oppose the plan must try to see the gravity of the HIV/Aids situation in the country. Some of the measures launched to contain the HIV/Aids spread may be perceived as being unconventional and indiscreet on the surface, he said, "but the question begging an answer is whether it is more acceptable to watch more and more young people get infected with Aids".He said the issue was considered "taboo" in Thai society and thus always triggered a controversy whenever it was raised for public discussion.
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