Poll shows youngsters' lack of recognition for Thai cultural landmarks

Government House is the most recognised cultural landmark in Bangkok among Thai youth, known even better than the Temple of Dawn and Dusit Palace, according to a Culture Ministry opinion poll released yesterday.

But an overwhelming majority of the 7,602 respondents aged between 10 and 20 years were unfamiliar with the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre and the Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall.

Agencies under the ministry that got the most nods of recognition were the National Museum, provincial cultural offices and big parks.

Prostitution, addiction

The poll also identified pressing problems of youth culture. This prompted calls for better promotion of Thai traditions as well as action to deal with vice venues, prostitution, alcohol consumption, and falling standards in written and spoken Thai, public behaviour, respect for elders, and school and university dress codes.

Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch said he would work on other youth issues such as computer/video game addiction, movie ratings, raucous and sexually uninhibited behaviour during Songkran and the lack of regulation at "coyote dancing" events.