but, generally speaking, such media only reached the urban population. In order to reach the inhabitants of the rural areas, more innovative approaches were needed, such as audio-visual methods, strip cartoons, etc. It was also essential to train teachers and employers with a view to changing attitudes. 94. During the discussion which had followed the presentation of the report of Thailand, the problem of prostitution had been raised. He recognized that it was a serious problem although official statistics on the subject were not available. It was also a problem which must be placed in the context of poverty and underdevelopment. Prostitution was prohibited in Thailand under the criminal code and the 1986 law against prostitution. The Government was combating prostitution and had adopted an approach based on the reintegration of prostitutes, social protection and development; in other words, the approach was therapeutic rather than punitive. It must however be recognized that prostitution was continuing notwithstanding those laws. In his opinion, an important part of the problem lay with demand, namely, in the private sector, which encouraged sexual tourism, which was a source of profit. The problem must be approached within the framework of inter-State relations both at the multilateral and bilateral levels. Constructive measures must therefore be adopted at the international level in order to put an end to the problem. 95. In connection with the decision-making role of women, referred to in article 7 of the Convention, he pointed out that in 1982 the law had been modified in such a way that thereafter women were permitted to occupy managerial posts in village administrations. On the other hand the same situation did not prevail at the district level where only men performed administrative functions. The National Commission on Women's Affairs was currently making efforts to change that situation.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the issue of prostitution in Thailand and the efforts of the government to combat it, as well as the role of women in society. It also touches on the topic of education and training. Given the focus on social issues and development, it is likely that the text falls under a category related to human rights or social development.

**Category**
Education, Employment, Health