Love in the air from Bondi to Bangkok to Beijing

By Michael Perry

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australians seeking love on Valentine's Day speed-dated in deckchairs on Bondi Beach, while Japanese trekked through snow in search of romance and Filipinos sang syrupy ballads.

Contrary to its racy reputation, Thailand told police and "student inspectors" to stake out motels, malls and parks to ensure youngsters behaved themselves on the "Day of Love", when polls say many teenagers have sex for the first time.

In the northern city of Chiang Mai, youngsters flocked to give blood in a "I'd rather lose blood than virginity" campaign.

In China, where homosexuality was listed as a mental illness until 2001, 20 gay and lesbian activists in Beijing marked the day by handing out roses to promote awareness and same-sex marriages.

More than 2,000 people signed up for 16 simultaneous speed dating events in eight Australian cities on Thursday, with the proceeds going to charity.

Australian newspapers ran pages of Valentine's Day love messages to people with nicknames like "Boo Bubby", "Pookey", "The Phantom" and "Wicked Wench". "I love 2 Things", wrote a romantic Johnny, adding "cars & u".

Mobile telephone networks were preparing for an onslaught of love over the airwaves. Top phone company Telstra expected picture messages to be up 60 percent and video calls 50 percent higher than normal.

Valentine's Day in the Philippines was celebrated traditionally, with a riot of red and pink roses, heart-shaped cards and syrupy love ballads.