V-Day, not VD-Day

PHUKET TOWN: Young Thais have been warned not to lose their virginity on Valentine’s Day this Friday. The Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO), Dr Wanchai Sattayawutthipong, said research indicated that many Thai teenagers showed their love for each other on this day by having sex. This has led to the slogan among teens: “Lose your virginity on Valentine’s Day”. The PPHO was planning to use the day for its own message about love – that people should be more educated, take care of themselves and know how to protect themselves against HIV infection. Phuket ranks second among Southern provinces and tenth in the country for rates of HIV infection and Aids. Activities on Valentine’s Day include poster exhibitions and the distribution of key rings and condoms at shopping centers, department stores, schools and vocational education institutes in Phuket. For more information call the PPHO at 076-214110 or 076-222913 or contact health centers or government hospitals.