BANGKOK, THAILAND: Some 1,000 amorous Thais have applied for 500 positions to volunteer to test condoms for customer satisfaction, a firm said Wednesday (August 22nd), as part of a campaign promoting safe sex.

"We are surprised to see huge interest in our campaign with almost 1,000 applicants wanting to take part," said an official at a Thai marketing firm for condom-maker Durex.

The campaign was part of Durex's efforts to promote safe sex as well as giving Thais "an outstanding opportunity to enjoy their favorite pastime," Durex said in a statement.

Condom volunteers must be Thais aged over 20 years old, it said, adding that "no educational qualifications are necessary."

Successful applicants will receive free Durex tester kits and be required to respond to an online questionnaire following each use.

The Thai government has said HIV/AIDS is the kingdom's top cause of death, followed by heart disease. Some 500,000 Thais are infected with HIV.