A network advocating for people with HIV, alongside the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights (FAIR), submitted a petition to the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok. The petition challenges a regulation barring individuals with HIV or AIDS from police recruitment. They argue this clause is discriminatory and outdated, urging reform to align with modern medical insights and human rights standards.
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The petition was presented to Police General Kittirat Phanphet at the National Police Headquarters. It targets item 11.8.5 of the 2023 Police Commission regulations, which lists "AIDS and/or HIV infection" as disqualifying for police candidates. The group contends this perpetuates unnecessary stigma and ignores advancements that allow people with HIV to live normal, healthy lives.
Emphasizing scientific breakthroughs, the petition cites the U=U principle—demonstrating that those undergoing effective treatment do not transmit the virus. They argue that maintaining the current ban violates Section 27 of the Thai Constitution, which forbids health-based discrimination and contradicts both national anti-AIDS strategies and international guidelines from WHO and ILO.
The petitioners demand three main changes: removal of HIV and AIDS from disqualifying conditions, adoption of updated recruitment criteria, and proactive internal communication to combat stigma. The group advocates for the Royal Thai Police to embody global justice standards by discarding the rule.
The event included a live performance titled "Naked," aiming to expose biases within the police force and to highlight conflicts between existing laws and constitutional rights. Following the submission, the advocates approached a public advocate at the Government Complex for further review of the rule's legitimacy, reported The Thaiger.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 25 Mar 2026