Thai youth: Clever, constructive… copulating

PHUKET CITY: Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time when love is in the air, but according to officials at Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO), young love is too often finding its way under the sheets.

PPHO Chief Dr Wanchai Satthayawuthipong said that as Valentine’s Day is a time of high risk for youths losing their virginity and contracting STDs, his office will hold educational campaigns at schools throughout the province in the week leading up to the day of love.

Citing a 2005 survey on risky behavior among teens in Bangkok, the office reported that 29% of youths between 15 and 24 years old have had sex, while 7.5% intentionally have sex on Valentine’s Day.

The study also found an increase in STDs, such as gonorrhea, among teenagers and called for more sexual education throughout the country.

The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Thai youth: Clever, constructive, and protecting against sexually contracted diseases and Aids”.