Fridae

Gays and lesbians who have traveled throughout Asia will probably not be surprised by the results of a sex survey released by Time Asia magazine yesterday.

The survey, which was conducted in five countries - Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand - found Thailand to be very gay-friendly, with 47% of Thai men reported taking no issue with homosexuality, the highest level of acceptance of any country surveyed. 6% of Thai women admitted to having had a lesbian sexual encounter.

In contrast, only 23% of South Koreans found homosexuality acceptable.

The survey also reported that 37% of Thai men (gay and straight) and 34% of Thai women enjoyed being spanked, and that the missionary position, that old standby, came out on top, so to speak.

"I think it's the Buddhism way," said one gay man in Bangkok, reacting to the survey.

While Buddhists in other countries were less positive about their queer co-religionists, Thai Buddhist teachers often emphasize the idea that each person must find his or her own way, and that avoiding unnecessary conflict - like condemnation of people who are different - is sinful.

Even so, the fact that 53% of the Thai men surveyed had some reservations about homosexuality indicates that, while Thailand may lead the pack on attitudes towards queers, it hasn't crossed the finish line yet.