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Published on October 4, 2007

Banks now pay more attention to whoever walks into their branches, carefully advising new customers about specialised services and products.

This week, Kasikornbank (KBank) announced that clients at all of its branches would be treated with other services free of charge. Before, you would have been glad if the bank simply approved your loan application, but now you can expect much more information, as well.

Plus, going into a KBank, you will be treated to free condoms. Wrapped in packets with a "K-Condom" label, the condoms are stacked openly, and customers can grab as many as they want. To CEO Banthoon Lamsam, this is part of the bank's "K Now" campaign - a bid to build a knowledge-based society. He is ready to face any criticism for the condom promotion, which is deemed necessary, given how widespread sexually transmitted diseases are.

Certainly, Banthoon is challenging other bank executives who are looking for ways to strengthen their bonds with clients. Now, other banks will not want to promote the use of condoms, as that would mean they are simply following in KBank's footsteps. Too bad they cannot get as close to their clients as KBank does to its through a simple safe-sex rubber item.

A blow to huggers and kissers

Psychiatrists advise kissing and hugging as a way to elevate strong emotions. But you won't get it at some places.

Earlier, the German city of Celle erected a sign in its main train station showing a man and a woman kissing. Not that it wants to promote kissing. The signs are aimed at reminding passengers not to kiss in the train station.

They should kiss at home, so as not to cause pedestrian traffic jams.

And if you need a hug, you won't get it at Percy Julian Middle School in Oak Park, Illinois.

Associated Press reported that principal Victoria Sharts banned hugging among the suburban Chicago school's 860 students anywhere inside the building. She said students were forming "hug lines" that crowded the hallways and made them late for classes. Another reason to institute the no-hugging policy was that some hugs could be too long and too close, she said.

"The goal is always to promote safe and orderly hallways where everybody can get by, be safe, and be on time," she said.

Less hugging and kissing can only displease psychiatrists. Not to mention huggers and kissers.

achara_d@nationgroup.com