Lustful teens get lewd in local library

NAKHON SRI THAMMARAT: Most parents would be happy to know that their teenagers were spending their free time hanging out in the library. What better place could there be to engage in some extracurricular learning and curl up with a good book? In Nakhon Sri Thammarat public library, however, teenagers have been curling up for some X-rated extracurricular activities – and the locals say it has to stop.

On February 1, a group of worried parents arrived at the Nakhon Sri Thammarat Journalists’ Association meeting to call on the local media to draw attention to the worrying new trend of youngsters copulating in public places.

Witthaya, a 38-year-old parent and former school teacher who asked for his surname not to be printed, said that he works opposite Nakhon Sri Thammarat Public Library.

“Youths, mainly students aged 13 to 15, both boys and girls, like to come and hang out and court each other, usually still wearing their school uniforms. Often the courting ends with them having sex.

“I and other parents have seen children openly engaging in sexual intercourse – with no shame whatsoever. We were embarrassed to see it and had to take a detour round it,” K. Witthaya said.

Horny youths are often in fierce competition with each other to grab the best spots inside the library, mainly on the second floor, where they can have sex, said Chok, 55, who is in charge of looking after the public square in front of the library.

The youths show no regard for people who go to the library for legitimate purposes, added Chok.

“Staff have warned the youths about their behavior many times, but staff can’t be at all points in the building at all times. They have rearranged the second floor so there are fewer dark corners and better visibility for the staff.

“This has made it harder for the youths to find spots to have sex in,” Chok said.

Somphong Yuthao, head truancy officer at Nakhon Sri Thammarat Area 1 Education Office, said that his staff often catch students acting inappropriately. For a minor offense, students are reprimanded and allowed to go home, but when they are caught engaging in heavy petting, they are reported to their school or college.

K. Somphong added that his officers are unauthorized to act if the youths are not registered at an educational institution.

As for the problems in the public library, it is the responsibility of library authorities to ensure that there are no corners where youths can engage in improper activities, K. Somphong said.