Find a good use for your girlfriend

***Zardon*** · Jan 27, 2003, 05:33 PM

BANGKOK - Illegal motorbike racers in Thailand have upped the stakes of the game.

No longer content with money or the loser's motorbike as the prize, the winner now gets to take home his rival's girlfriend for a night as well.

The use of female pillion riders as human trophies is the latest practice among Thai youngsters involved in motorcycle races on Bangkok's deserted expressways at the weekends, according to a recent Health Ministry report.

The girls, mostly teenagers, would be taken to nearby motels after the races where they were expected to stay the night.

'Most of these people are just teenagers, and they're treating sex as fun. I find their behaviour strange and dangerous,' ministry spokesman Nittaya Junruengmakaphol told The Straits Times.

While illegal motorbike races have been around for some time, the offer of sex in place of cash as the prize is a recent practice.

The races are held usually on Fridays and Saturdays from midnight till 2 am.

Since they are illegal, the venue and time are passed on by word of mouth.

About 200 people, including supporters and punters, turn up for the races, which are usually held on quiet roads away from the city.

The racers are divided into groups of five. They spend a few minutes to pick the girls they hope to claim later should they win. Volunteers from among the audience are appointed to flag the start and end of the race.

The bikers may compete with or without their female pillion riders. The distance varies from 1 km to 3 km, depending on the road.

There are no official referees, scorecards or bulky props. This way, the crowd can disperse quickly in the event of a police raid.

Some of the girls who take part in the races are believed to be casual acquaintances whom the racers befriend at bars and discotheques.

The girls could have been promised a share of the prize money by the riders in exchange for their participation. Others join for the thrill.

Despite the dangerous speed at which these daredevil racers go, few accidents have been reported.

The police said they were aware of the illegal races. 'We have managed to crack down on a few of them. These days, there are fewer people at the races,' said a police officer.

But what concerns the local health authorities is the casual attitude to sex displayed by the youths.

Ms Nittaya expressed fears that Aids and other sexual diseases might increase in the country if such behaviour became common among the young generation.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/asi...168568,00.html