Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - July 28, 2007
Anchalee Kongrut
The girl, a student of Surasak Montri School, was among many young people, both boys and girls, who received free condoms in a campaign to promote safe sex by the Public Health Ministry in the city's main shopping district.
The schoolgirl carefully looked at the small package, squeezing it lightly while giggling.
When approached by the Bangkok Post a minute later for a comment, she immediately said she didn't want to talk about it.
"Yes... I know what it is. My mother often discusses sexual diseases and how to prevent them with me," she said.
Have you ever used one?
"No!"
Have you ever bought one?
"Absolutely not!" she replied, with a blush.
Even though girls in Thailand are now more open to sexual issues, they are still quite conservative when it comes to the subject of condoms.
Unlike boys, girls risk being labelled as "bad girls" if they show they are too keen on this taboo subject.
According to a survey by the Public Health Ministry, Thai girls hardly carry condoms and are also too shy to ask their partners to use them.
The ministry's survey last year showed that of 80% of teenage girls who admitted to having had sex, only half said their male partners had used condoms, while 47% of teenage boys said they always carry condoms. The survey also showed that women, particularly young girls, are two times more likely to get Aids compared to men.
The Public Health Ministry said a change is needed to this reserved attitude among women.
In western countries, girls are more comfortable about asking their partners to wear condoms or even saying "no" if their men refuse to use them.
Public Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla said he hopes the campaign will change the attitude of Thai teens and adults alike.
"I wish Thai society had a positive attitude to condoms, just like when we use separate spoons when eating with others to prevent the transmission of diseases," he said. The ministry's safe-sex campaign will continue in the major provinces until the end of the year.
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