The Social Development and Human Security Ministry held a gathering yesterday to "uncover the black zones around schools".

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham, Deputy Education Minister Varakorn Samkoses and related agencies, such as the Royal Thai Police, Bangkok administrators, students and parents.

It sought to discuss the dangers and avenues of vice close to schools to help coordinate efforts to clear up the areas.

Paiboon detailed a study from May 7 to 17, when 453 students and parents linked to 12 sample schools in Bangkok were questioned. The survey showed that many schools had vice outlets within 500m - from game and Internet shops, to shops that sell cigarettes and liquor, and places where pornography could be seen or purchased, as well as entertainment venues.

"Around my school are gambling venues owned by some parents. They attract students who play and lose money, so students end up having to work to clear their debts by selling drugs in schools," Tivaporn Petchgrab, who heads the Bang Khunthien Youth council, said.

"Public parks are another harmful place - such as Suan Somdejya park at Rama 2 and Saphan Buddha bridge - where gangs of boys deceive girls to join them in car races called 'Dek Van', then rape them."

Paiboon said the government wanted cooperation from police to confront the problem, "to protect children from dangerous attractions that may lead to ruin."

Pongsathorn Manrak

The Nation