During a meeting with 750 outstanding youths from around the country yesterday, Surayud listened to their wishes including peace and harmony in society, adults being a good example, and proper use of Thai language.

Surayud said Thai youths should make sure their lives were on the right track by choosing what they like to do - as that would bring more chances of success.

And they should not follow the example of Western culture in all things, he said, especially sex.

He suggested young people should listen to their parents and that young men and women ought not to indulge in sex but wait until the "right" time. Social values differed in each different society, he said. Western culture did not greatly value the virtue of virginity.

Surayud also urged Thai boys to act like gentlemen and not take advantage of girls. He also advised youths to apply the King's self-sufficiency philosophy as a practical guide to living their lives, and follow this year's motto for Children's Day - "To have virtue in the heart, practice self-sufficiency economy, and avoid vices."

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation