Thailand is facing growing concern over a sharp rise in HIV infections among young people aged 15–24, raising fears of a future strain on the country’s public health system. Data from 2025 shows a worrying increase in infections among students and young adults, largely linked to unprotected sexual activity and limited sexual health awareness.
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According to national figures, Thailand recorded 547,556 cumulative HIV cases by 2025, with 13,357 new infections reported during the year. Health authorities say the actual number of new infections was around 1.5 times higher than projections by the Department of Disease Control. Approximately one third of these new infections occurred among people aged 15–24.
The National Economic and Social Development Council highlighted the trend in its fourth-quarter social report for 2025, titled Safe Sex: Not Taboo but Necessary. It warned that although teenage pregnancy rates have declined significantly, this does not necessarily mean that young people are practising safer sex. Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and genital warts have also increased among teenagers engaging in unprotected sex.
The report noted that many adolescents misunderstand how to properly store and use condoms. Some young people also have sexual relationships beyond committed partners, including acquaintances, friends, or individuals met through entertainment venues and dating applications, increasing the difficulty of consistent protection.
Health experts attribute the situation to a gap between knowledge and behaviour among Thai youth. One factor is the limited quality of sex education in schools, which often focuses heavily on biological aspects rather than practical life skills needed for safe sexual decision-making. Teaching methods also tend to rely on lectures rather than interactive participation, while many teachers lack confidence or training in delivering the subject.
Another issue is that some young people prioritise preventing pregnancy over protecting themselves from infections. Teen couples may also avoid using protection because they believe their partner is low-risk or fear dissatisfaction from their partner.
Social attitudes also play a role, as discussions about sex remain sensitive in Thai society. Cultural taboos often discourage open conversations between parents, teachers and teenagers about sexual health and responsible behaviour. Health services are also not always youth-friendly, with barriers including clinic opening hours, attitudes of healthcare providers and limited access to prevention products.
Public Health Minister Pattanapong Phromphat said HIV and STI infections have continued to rise, particularly among those aged 15–24. In 2025, around 8,000 new HIV cases were reported, nearly half involving teenagers and young adults. Over the past five years, syphilis cases have increased 2.7 times and gonorrhoea cases 2.5 times, especially in major cities and tourist destinations with dense populations.
Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dejdecho said that while overall HIV numbers have declined nationally, the proportion among young people is increasing. The ministry plans to sign cooperation agreements with educational institutions to strengthen awareness and prevention programmes, with targets to reduce new HIV infections to no more than 1,000 per year and limit deaths to under 4,000 annually.
Thailand currently has about 540,000 people living with HIV since the first recorded cases in 1986. More than 400,000 patients are receiving continuous antiretroviral treatment, allowing many to maintain undetectable viral levels and preventing transmission.
However, officials stress that prevention remains crucial. Protective measures include consistent condom use and access to preventive medication such as PrEP before exposure and PEP within 72 hours after potential exposure.
The country spends approximately 8.4 billion baht annually on HIV prevention and treatment programmes. Of this, 6.2 billion baht is allocated to medication and 1.2 billion baht to prevention efforts.
Manager online reported that health authorities say strengthening sex education, expanding youth-friendly health services and improving access to prevention tools will be essential to curb infections among Thailand’s younger generation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 8 Mar 2026