Obec opposes condoms in schools plan

The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) opposes condom vending machines in schools as a way to promote safe sex among students.

“I strongly disagree [with the installation] and do not give permission to set up condom vending machines in Obec schools,” said Obec secretary-general Kamol Rodklai yesterday.

The installation of condom machines in schools and vocational institutions was recommended after a meeting of the National Aids committee, which urged that more should be done to promote public awareness of Aids.

Earlier, the deputy Bangkok governor called for a scheme to relaunch condom vending machines in city-run schools, though the city’s own public health division said it held doubts.

Department of Disease Control director-general Sophon Mekthon urged the Education Ministry to go ahead with the suggestion.

However, Mr Kamol disagreed, saying condom machines should be installed at more appropriate places, such as public toilets.

There are many approaches to promoting safe sex and Aids prevention among young people, he added.

“Installation of the machines is a doubleedged sword because they may encourage students to have sex at a younger age. Condoms are already widely available in convenience stores,” Mr Kamol said.

Chaiyapruek Serirak, secretary-general of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, said vocational school heads will have final say on whether to install the machines.

“Understanding of sex education is a priority. Condom vending machines are just another element to tackling unsafe sex,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Aids committee suggested provision of hygienic syringes to intravenous-drug users would also help fight the spread of HIV.

Sharing infected needles puts drug users at high risk of HIV infection.

The Department of Disease Control would provide the money so activists and civic groups working with addicts could buy syringes for those in need.