Aug 8, 9:13 AM (ET)

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

How ridiculous. It always amazes me to see examples (such as this) of Thailand's entrapment of moral values. How can a country that outwardly sells sex on almost every street corner and venue in its main cities not understand the need for education of safe sex practices? Sure, they guard the financial holdings of Thai citizens and Thai companies by outlandishly inconsistent regulations against foreigners, but refuse to help safeguard their personal safety? Unsafe sex is a death sentence, especially in a corrupt, backwards country like Thailand with millions of sex tourists popping through immigration for a quick jaunt.

 

Shameful.

 

The Rose