The Social Development and Human Security Ministry working team promoting constructive media for children and family proposed the idea.

It will be added to the text identifying the suitable viewing age for a programme.

The age recommendations have been made since December 1 last year.

Women's Affairs and Family Development Office director Suwit Kuntaroj told a meeting of officials and 50 media members yesterday that a recent survey had found 73.2 per cent of people felt most soap operas did not appropriately raise public awareness of the impact of domestic violence on children and women. However, Channel 7's "Sai Nam Sam Chivit" drama was one that did raise such awareness, he added.

The survey of 1,899 people of all ages found more than 53 per cent thought local television dramas appropriately promoted the role of women and men and gender equality.

Slightly less than half, 41.4 per cent, said no soap appropriately portrayed a family's love and understanding in solving problems without violence.

Friends of Women Foundation head and working-team member Supensri Puengkoaksoong said many television soaps and ads were found to trigger violence.

"Thai soaps especially have violent scenes that result in young audiences copying the actions," Supensri said.

She will ask the Women's Affairs and Family Development Office to have film and drama producers attach the warning message to all scenes of sexual assault, physical assault and other violence.

Scenes showing men with mistresses, gambling and drinking alcohol will carry the message these actions are either "punishable by law" or "against good morality".

She said scantily clad television hosts, actors, ad-presenters, singers and dancers prompted teenagers to wear similar clothing, resulting in sex crimes.

Puangchompoo Prasert

The Nation