February 14, 2008
Bangkok - Khunying Kasama Worawan Na Ayutthaya, secretary-general of the Office of Basic Education Commission, did not allow schools to hold the Valentine’s Day festival, saying schoolchildren had improper behaviors and put their life in risk.
Khunying Kasama said some schools held the celebration and schoolchildren were in unsafe situation when going out with friends or drank alcoholic beverages.
“I used to inspect a school marking the Valentine’s Day. I myself saw students going to other places after the celebration, which put their life in danger,” she added.
She emphasized a bad social value came along with the festival as schoolchildren spent their money on roses, cards and dolls.
She explained gifts giving was not a core part of creating good feeling towards each other on such day. Being economical should be focused instead.
More than 2.1 billion baht of cash will be spent during this year’s Valentine’s Day, according to University of Thai Chamber of Commerce poll.
