Bangkok students urged: No sex on buses

September 2, 2004

Bangkok - Young passengers on Bangkok city buses are being asked not to have sex during the commute.

The plea comes from the city's transport officials, who posted notices on some of the buses yesterday.

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (MTA) came under fire from commuters this week after a study by an academic revealed that scores of college students were engaging in sexual intercourse, usually in the rear seats of the darkened buses, during the evening commute from classes.

'I have interviewed bus conductors and passengers and they confirm the study that students are having sex, especially on the air-conditioned route 12,' said Mr Virat Chokkatiwat, an MTA director.

Notices in all the Route 12 buses advise: 'Thai women should preserve old culture about sexual behaviour.'

Although Thailand is well-known for its racy nightlife, it is a predominantly Buddhist, conservative country where public displays of affection, including kissing, are rare.

Still, social mores among the younger generation, influenced by Western culture, are changing quickly.

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