Report Phuket Syphilis Surge: Health Officials Urge STI Vigilance Amid Tourism Boom

[Kenny Boy]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Phuket is grappling with an alarming rise in syphilis cases, with infections now confirmed across all three districts of the island province. The surge has prompted health officials to issue warnings, as it coincides with a resurgence in tourism and increased risky sexual behaviours.

 

During a recent briefing, Dr Kusuma Sawangphan, head of the Communicable Disease Control Group at the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), highlighted the vulnerability of youth to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but stressed that anyone engaging in risky sexual practices is at risk.

 

The spike in STIs is being linked to the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, enabling more social and sexual interactions, especially in areas popular with tourists, such as Patong. In response, Phuket health authorities have initiated a robust STI prevention campaign. This includes distributing free condoms and lubricants through both public and private healthcare facilities.

 

Residents and visitors can conveniently access condoms through digital channels, including the Krungthai Bank mobile app, as part of efforts to make safer practices more accessible. Additionally, free STI screenings are offered biannually at government hospitals for individuals deemed at risk, underscoring the significance of early detection. Dr Kusuma reiterated that consistent condom use is the most effective way to prevent not only syphilis but also other infections like gonorrhoea and HIV.

 

Syphilis typically begins with genital sores and, if untreated, can escalate to a full-body rash, potentially affecting the nervous system and proving fatal. The PPHO is collaborating with organisations such as the Andaman Power Phuket Association to engage high-risk communities. Health teams have been actively distributing condoms and promoting sexual health services at events, including the Miss Queen Andaman parade.

 

Outreach efforts are expanding into schools and recognised hotspots, aiming to enhance awareness and dismantle the stigma surrounding sexual health. Dr Kusuma emphasised the importance of providing access to information, testing, and treatment for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual identity, to curb the rising infection rates and protect public health.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-05

 

 

The relaxation of cannabis rules has attracted a younger crowd with a lower IQ and subsequently lower hygiene standards, plus multiple sexual partners, hence the increase.

[kiwikeith]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

A donation of that filthy riffraff from everywhere.

It is a shame that such a serious disease is on the rise, almost never heard off in NZ now, next you will have to have a test b4 you can enter LOS

[BritManToo]

19 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

It is a shame that such a serious disease is on the rise, almost never heard off in NZ now, next you will have to have a test b4 you can enter LOS

Any disease that can be completely cured with a course of antibiotics lasting two weeks isn't that serious IMHO.

[newbee2022]

13 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Any disease that can be completely cured with a course of antibiotics lasting two weeks isn't that serious IMHO.

Maybe ok for yourself.

I never got it but have seen a lot of patients in the past

[PETERTHEEATER]

3 hours ago, Look Chang said:

I always smell the pussy of a new partner before having sex !

Better than the gay option.........

[jingjai9]

With the rise in syphilis and  COVID cases, it looks like they will have to package condoms and masks together. 

[MalcolmB]

8 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

so why are we being blamed yet again?

What the hell are you on about.

Who is blaming us? 
Who are “we”? 

[blaze master]

On 6/5/2025 at 5:25 AM, snoop1130 said:

 

The spike in STIs is being linked to the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, enabling more social and sexual interactions, especially in areas popular with tourists, such as Patong.

 

Ya ok.

[Reddavy]

9 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

Aren't tourist numbers down, I suspect it more to do with TAT encouraging tourists from, um, dare I say it.... India

Yep they don’t just share the straws. Dirty dogs.