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Published on August 23, 2007

The testers will also serve to encourage all couples to make safe sex their overriding priority. They are required to conduct the confidential testing for the country's leading condom-maker.

However, the plan was blasted by the ultraconservative Ladda Tangsuphachai, head cultural watchdog at the ministry. Outspoken Ladda was quoted by the local press as saying such testing and

follow-up questionnaires should be done in secret, instead of conducting a big marketing campaign to stir up the sexual appetites of youngsters.

Durex does not require a minimum educational level but testers must be at least 20 years of age, Thai nationals and willing to provide their services free of charge.

Although 20 is considered the age of majority, Ladda said: "Many 20-year-old people are still asking for money from their parents. Many of them are in still in school. This campaign would cause a lot of distraction."

She acknowledged that although many 20-year-old Thais may not be "that innocent", such a campaign is too much for Thai society.

Ladda may not mind listening to Petch Osathanugrah crooning the hit song "Let's Talk About Love", but her view is that bedroom fantasy should be ... hush hush.

Again, some conservative quarters seem to feel uncomfortable with condom-related issues. Earlier, Tom Dundee, a singer/actor, was forced shelve his plan to name a new condom after his alias.

Tom insisted that the title of the new product - "Dundee" condom - was simply using his name. But some conservative groups protested over the word "Dundee". They claimed that it could mean something else. (We will refrain from mentioning the other meaning here for the benefit of our tender young readers.) And they succeeded in blocking the launch of the product.

Our precious young ones, saved again!

Jeerawat@nationgroup.com