Pretty certain this was the first year I've been in Cambodia for valentines...utter farking chaos in the city, should've stayed home!

Emergency. Take cover. Panic now. Valentine's Day is almost here again. And all the alarm bells are ringing. All Cambodian youth should be locked up for their own good on Feburary 14th, if you believe the scare stories...


Warning on Valentine’s Day evils
07 February 2017

With Valentine’s Day only one week away, the Education, Youth and Sport Ministry has instructed all schools to educate and prevent students from using the day as an excuse for sexual activity.

Every year, the ministry attempts to dispel the notion among Cambodian youth that the increasingly popular day is a reason to have sex, which lies in opposition to the traditional culture and customs of the kingdom.

The day is widely regarded as one in which many young men push their female partners into non-consensual sexual activity with many young women giving up their virginity.

According to a statement from Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron yesterday, for the past several years Valentine’s Day has strongly affected youth in Cambodia, with some students missing class and dishonoring themselves and their family.

The ministry has instructed schools to announce the meaning of the day while they are saluting the flag and when students are quiet and paying attention.

It urged schools to implement peer education programs, increase enforcement of internal regulations to control morality codes and track students’ attendance.

“We must build a close relationship with parents, guardians or community in order to provide and receive various information related to abnormal activities that are committed by the students,” Mr. Chuon Naron said.

Ouk Chhayavy, the acting president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association, supported the ministry’s statement. She said some Cambodian people enjoy foreign culture and the celebration of some non-Cambodian days such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

However, Ms. Chhayavy asked relevant ministries to prevent media organizations from conducting any Valentine’s Day programs or shows that might increase students’ interest in the day.
“Requesting schools to instruct students during the flag salute is good, but every year, we still see some students who think that Valentine’s Day is a dating day of couples, so we should prevent any related shows on TV because when students watch, they follow,” she said...
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/35172//

Just a reminder that St Valentine's Day is No-Sex day in Cambodia.

Youths warned: no sex on Valentine’s Day
The government once again renewed its annual call of abstinence among youth on Valentine’s Day, reminding them not to engage in or be pressured into sex during the special day as it ran counter to Khmer values.

Speaking at the launch of the Strengthen and Test Yourself system for grade 12 students’ internet usage at the Education Ministry yesterday, Minister Hang Choun Naron reiterated that Valentine’s Day was not a day for youth to indulge in sex with their partners, but rather a day to demonstrate their love for their parents, siblings and friends.

He added that the ministry had widely published information about abstaining from sex to ensure that students behave in line with modest Khmer traditions.
“I ask that the youth understand the true essence of the day and…I ask that the youth maintain the traditions of the Khmer culture,” Mr. Choun Naron said...
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/35428/ ... e---s-day/