Actors Jeffrey Benjakul and Primrata Detchudom hand out Valentine’s Day souvenirs in Siam Square as part of the Education Ministry’s campaign to encourage youths to express their love in the right way.

A Dhurakij Pundit University poll - conducted between February 7 and 8 - found that 70 per cent of 1,304 Bangkok residents aged 13 to 25 believed that women should be virgins on their wedding day.

Although over half thought the media meant well by warning youths to protect themselves, 46 per cent said some reports could stimulate youngsters to have sex on Valentine's Day, the poll found.

Some 65 per cent of respondents said they gave importance to the day because of their boyfriends or girlfriends, while some 12 per cent said their interest was due to media and commercial promotions.

About 43 per cent thought teenagers resorted to violence and suicide in love conflicts because they copied the media, while 32 per cent blamed a lack of warmth in families.

Meanwhile, Health Depart-ment director-general Narongsak Angkhasuwaphala yesterday revealed a "Thai youths' love value" survey that showed only 8.3 per cent of 500 university students - randomly interviewed late last month - aimed to have sex with their boyfriends or girlfriends on Valentine's Day.

Others opted for seeing movies or listening to music together, having a special dinner and shopping for a gift for loved ones.

Of the interviewees, about a third admitted to experiencing sexual relations.

Some 85 per cent said having a boyfriend or girlfriend while at school was not a bad thing but they must stay within good Thai traditions, otherwise problems such as sexual infections, unwanted pregnancy and abortion could result. Over half said sexual relations could lead to prostitution.

While 45 per cent depended on themselves to refrain from premature sex, the rest gave credit to their parents. Narongsak said this was a good sign, as parents could advise and warn their children to behave.

In related news, Pol Colonel Worawat Amornwiwat, commander of the city police's juvenile and women's protection division, said police would distribute handbooks on Tuesday to warn girls not to lose their virginity and to avoid sexual assaults on Valentine's Day.

Worawat urged girls not to go alone with boyfriends to risky places, including movie theatres, public parks, entertainment venues, hotels or his home. Police will patrol risky areas, he added.