Teachers are often reluctant to talk to children about sex

It will tackle the apparent imbalance between young people's increased exposure to products and services that excite sexual desire and their limited sexual education.

Professor Nikorn, who works at the university's Institute of Health Research, said a lack of understanding about sex was holding back society's ability to deal with violence and sexual problems.

Parents need to have accurate knowledge and share the truth with their children about sex

Professor Nikorn

The course will hopefully help teachers, welfare workers and health professionals to talk about an issue that for many remains taboo, he added.

Classes will start in 2002 after they are approved by the university's council, according to the Bangkok Post.

In July, the public health ministry announced Thai children would be taught sex education from kindergarten under a new programme aimed at curbing teenage pregnancies and Aids.

Nearly one in 60 Thais, or more than one million people, have HIV, the virus which causes Aids.