The report on women's reproductive condition for 2006 showed that, of 18.7 million females aged from 15 to 49, 65.1 per cent were married, 28.5 per cent were single and 6.4 per cent were widows, divorcees or separated.

Some 12.6 million women, or 67 per cent, lived outside municipalities. The number of single women in municipality areas was 6.4 per cent higher than those living outside.

Bangkok topped the list for single women at 41.8 per cent, while central and northern regions had the highest amount of widows, divorcees or separated woman, the report said.

Of the married, 78.8 per cent said they did not seek any advice regarding family planning before marriage.

The NSO also surveyed Thai males and females aged from 45 to 59 about their health care and found 59.8 per cent had an annual checkup.

About 29 per cent said they had a checkup every year, while 40.2 per cent said otherwise. Women were also found to be more healthconscious than men, at 62.8 to 56.4 per cent.

The Nation