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SUAN DUSIT POLL: Sex before marriage 'not wrong'

Published on Jan 15, 2003, The Nation

Young people believe that sex before marriage is acceptable and allows couples to get to know each other before they live together, according to a survey by Suan Dusit Poll.

A total of 1,437 unmarried 18 to 25 year olds, 572 men and 865 women, were asked about sex, marriage and the significance of marriage certificates in the poll completed yesterday.

Sixty-one per cent - 78 per cent of men and 44 per cent of women - said sex before marriage was not wrong.

Some 28 per cent - 14 per cent of men and 42 per cent of women - disagreed, saying it was against Thai customs and culture and degraded women.

Another 10 per cent said sex before marriage was a personal matter and depended on the situation and the readiness of couples.

When asked if a marriage certificate was needed if you "live together'', a total of 46 per cent - 53 per cent of men and 39 per cent of women - said no because it was an unnecessary legal bind and a complication in the event of a break up.

A total of 43 per cent said they would rather register the marriage to create confidence among both parties.

Women were entitled to a marriage certificate and it showed respect for women. Of those favouring registration, 37 per cent were male and 49 per cent female.

Another 10 per cent said the marriage certificate was just a piece of paper and had no significance.

Forty-five per cent - 32 per cent of men and 57 per cent of women - opposed losing virginity before marriage because it was immoral, disrespectful, especially for women, and a disgrace for the family.

Another 38.3 per cent - 54 per cent of men and 22 per cent of women - said it was acceptable, a way to gain experience and not morally wrong.

Another 16 per cent said the issue was a highly individual choice.

Asked if a marriage certificate is needed for husbands and wives, 39 per cent said it was quite necessary, 33 per cent said it was very necessary, 17 per cent said it was not really necessary, while 9 per cent said not at all necessary.