Thailand restaurant Cabbages and Condoms is for sex education first, and eating second.
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Instead of a post-meal mint, diners receive condoms. The food is quite excellent, along with their lovely beer garden. There is even nearby parking, which is somewhat of a rarity in Bangkok. The restaurant was founded by Mechai Viravaidya, an Australian-born Scot/Thai man who has worked in rural development and sexual education since the 1970s.
He is known locally as “Mr. Condom,” and condoms themselves are sometimes called ‘mechais’ – not a bad eponym for a long-time senator and cabinet minister. His efforts – which apparently include a quirky, endearing personality – helped Thailand become the first country to see a drop in HIV infection, and revolutionized family planning. Mechai is often found in rural Thai communities, holding condom-blowing contests.
Abortion is technically illegal in Thailand – except for the clean, professional clinic located next door to Cabbages and Condoms itself. Word has it that it’s allowed to operate because of “special arrangements,” likely thanks to a man commonly known as “The Condom King.”
The food is fabulous. And vasectomies are offered for free.