Bangkok--18 Apr--Hill and Knowlton
Sex is less important for both men and women in Thailand than for any of their global counterparts, a new sexual satisfaction survey has shown.
Fewer than two in five (38%) of us claim sex is an important part of our lives.
The study shows that a combination of sexual problems, coupled with hectic modern lifestyles, is to blame for just 35% of Thais saying they are fully satisfied with their sex lives.
On the whole, men are slightly more satisfied than their female counterparts, with 37% saying they are happy with their sex lives, compared to 33% of women.
Nigeria is the most satisfied nation, with 67% of respondents claiming to be content, closely followed by Mexico (63%), India (61%) and Poland (54%). Japan is the least satisfied nation, at 15%, followed by France, long since dubbed the country of romance, where only one in four people are fully satisfied.
The Durex Global Sexual Wellbeing Survey is a new study which questioned more than 26,000 people across 26 countries about every aspect of their sex lives, in a bid to comprehensively chart what constitutes sexual wellbeing.
Sexual satisfaction is the first tranche of this extensive work to report back. Findings on sexual experimentation, physical pleasure, emotional aspects of sex, first sex and sex education will follow.
So what is it that is currently going awry in our bedrooms and what can be done to improve the situation? The new study shows that in the main, sexual satisfaction is about positive physical and emotional experiences, although lack of pain and problems have a role to play too.
On average people in Thailand have sex more than twice a week — at 108 times a year, slightly more than the global average of 103. In comparison, the Greeks have the most sex, at 164 times a year, with Brazil (145 times), Poland and Russia (both 143) next.
But we spend slightly less time on sex than many other countries — taking 17 minutes for each session compared to the global average of 18.
However, over a half (54%) of Thai respondents usually have an orgasm, compared to 48% worldwide. Globally twice as many men (64%) as women regularly have orgasms, while age-wise it is the 65 plus age group who are most likely to reach ultimate satisfaction.
So what can the Thais do to bring more satisfaction back into their sex lives?
More than half (57%) say more tenderness and love would help their sex lives while 50% crave more time alone with their partner and 44% say better communication and intimacy could help.
Feeling less stressed out and tired, knowing how to pleasure partners (both 40%) and injecting more fun (42%) have also been identified as changes needed to increase sexual satisfaction.
But while only 42% feeling their sex life to be exciting, many people recognise the importance of introducing a little experimentation, with role play and sexy underwear (both 15%), sexual fantasies (14%), telephone sex (14%) and bondage (13%) topping Thai wishlists.
Mutual respect is also a vital component of a happy sex life, with more than eight in ten people globally who are sexually satisfied saying they feel respected by their partners. Yet just 43% of people in Thailand feel respected during sex.
Tim Evans, Managing Director, SSL Healthcare (Thailand) said, “It is clear that many people in Thailand would like a higher sex drive (29%) and there is plenty they can do to achieve this. The key is for couples to talk about what they want from their sex lives. They should also think about introducing more romance, mutual respect and fun into their relationships.”
Meanwhile, pain and problems are common too, with a third of all Thais saying they have experienced painful sex at some time in their lives, 28% of men experiencing difficulty in having an erection and 23% reporting problems with sustaining one. In addition 34% of Thai women have experienced vaginal dryness — a condition that seems to be particularly prevalent among teenagers rather than simply affecting new mums or older people and 35% have reported a loss of libido.
Dr. Pansak Sugkrakroek, Gynecologist and Sexologist said: “Sexual problems and pain can really take their toll on our libido. The survey highlights how vital it is for everyone — especially men — to not only consider their sexual health but to talk to their doctor about solving problems to improve their sex life and that of their partner. Overcoming these sexual conditions will go a long way to helping us to become more satisfied.”
Globally, of those who are currently dissatisfied with their sex lives, 44% of dissatisfied women have experienced vaginal dryness, 42% of dissatisfied men have had difficulty in having an erection and a third have had painful sex.
Local questions for Thai people The survey had sought answers to a few more searching sexually related questions about sexual wellbeing in Thailand. Thirty-six percent of Thai respondents believed that sex is an integral part of a fulfilling loving relationship and 61% said that sexual wellbeing is a prerequisite for a happy life. When asked about sex with their partners, 44% are happy to cooperate with their partners. However, half of Thai respondents said they let their partners know if sexual behaviour causes them displeasure.
Lalita and Narabodee voted as Thailand’s best couple of sexual wellbeing
This year, Thai people voted for Mew — Lalita and Kong — Norabodee Sasiprapa (18.63%) as the country’s best representative couple of sexual wellbeing, followed by Pin - Kejmanee and J - Jatrin Wattanasin (18.43%), Nicole and Maew - Chirasak Panphum (13.49%) respectively.
For further information, please contact;
Saowapa Sukuntee / Suthatip Boonsaeng / Darin Piyasorranun
Hill and Knowlton Thailand
Tel: 0-2627-3501 ext 191, 216, 106 or 08-9924-6464
Fax: 0-2627-3510
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