Virtually unknown in Thailand, female condoms were handed out free as doctors discussed their use in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases when Pattaya marked the first Global Female Condom Day.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome welcomed United Nations Population Fund representative Dr. Taweepsap Siraprapassiri to Walking Street Sept. 12, along with public-health workers, tourists and residents.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (left) and UN Population Fund representative Dr. Taweepsap Siraprapassiri (right) hold up female condoms during Pattaya’s participation in the 1st ever Global Female Condom Day.
Organized by the Global Female Condom Coalition, the day of activities was aimed at increasing the number of straight and gay people who know about, use, and advocate for female condoms. HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and justice, women’s health, youth, and gay men’s health organizations and advocates around the world joined the worldwide.
Taweepsap said Pattaya was chosen as the first site to participate due to its large number of related organizations that can advocate the benefits of the devices.
Not your everyday group photo, as event organizers pose with transvestites dressed in costumes made from female condoms.
The doctor noted female-condom technology has been available for more than 20 years, but 99 percent of the world is still using the male version, even though they can also be used by homosexuals.
“Currently, female condoms are not distributed in Thailand since it they are not very well-known,” Taweepsap said. “However, anyone interested in female condoms can request them for free.” In Pattaya, they are available at the Horr Center in Rungland Village; the Pattaya Public Health Office on Soi Buakaow; and the Pattaya Rak Center in Naklua’s Lam Po area.
Step right up, get your free female condom!
Students learn about reproductive systems on Walking Street.
Campaigners give out free female condoms in Pattaya’s entertainment districts.
Night time entertainers are given information on safe sex.
The campaign wasn’t only in entertainment areas, as campaigners spread the word throughout Pattaya.
