Lilith
08-21-2006, 09:08 PM
(gg)
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai cultural watchdogs have
banned a line of condoms whose name translates as
"Good Penetration," saying the suggestive label could
draw youngsters into having sex earlier, newspapers
reported Tuesday.
The condoms are actually named "Tom Dundee" after the
stage name of a popular country singer, but Culture
Ministry officials said this was inappropriate and
offended good norms and culture, the Thai Rath tabloid
said.
"Dundee" in Thai means "Good Penetration."
"Although the name is not vulgar or rude, it is
ambiguous, boastful and provocative," said Ladda
Tangsupachai of the Cultural Watch Center.
"It could entice excessive consumption and lure
children and youths with little maturity to start
having sexual activities before their appropriate
age," she added.
Dundee, whose real name is Puntiva Poomiprates,
defended lending his stage name to the condom brand.
He said he was merely following a government policy to
promote safe sex in a country where over 500,000
people have HIV or AIDS, and indicators point to
climbing infection rates among the young.
"You can't stop human desire, no matter how old they
are, so it is better to protect them," Puntiva told
Reuters, adding that he had been telling his audiences
about the risks of AIDS and unwanted pregnancy for
years.
In Thailand, condom producers have to seek approval
from both the Health and Culture ministries.
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai cultural watchdogs have
banned a line of condoms whose name translates as
"Good Penetration," saying the suggestive label could
draw youngsters into having sex earlier, newspapers
reported Tuesday.
The condoms are actually named "Tom Dundee" after the
stage name of a popular country singer, but Culture
Ministry officials said this was inappropriate and
offended good norms and culture, the Thai Rath tabloid
said.
"Dundee" in Thai means "Good Penetration."
"Although the name is not vulgar or rude, it is
ambiguous, boastful and provocative," said Ladda
Tangsupachai of the Cultural Watch Center.
"It could entice excessive consumption and lure
children and youths with little maturity to start
having sexual activities before their appropriate
age," she added.
Dundee, whose real name is Puntiva Poomiprates,
defended lending his stage name to the condom brand.
He said he was merely following a government policy to
promote safe sex in a country where over 500,000
people have HIV or AIDS, and indicators point to
climbing infection rates among the young.
"You can't stop human desire, no matter how old they
are, so it is better to protect them," Puntiva told
Reuters, adding that he had been telling his audiences
about the risks of AIDS and unwanted pregnancy for
years.
In Thailand, condom producers have to seek approval
from both the Health and Culture ministries.