Health HIV Surge in Phuket: Health Warning and Student in Viral Ordeal

[snoop1130]

Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Phuket is currently grappling with a significant rise in HIV and STD cases, as new figures reveal 244 recent infections, increasing the registered patient tally to 6,622. This alarming discovery has prompted urgent calls for enhanced public health measures.

 

Krittaya Charoensuk, a public health specialist, announced these findings for the second quarter of 2015. The data shows that only 5,699 of those infected are receiving continuous treatment, falling short of the health ministry’s goals. Mueang Phuket District emerged as the primary concern, identified as the province’s highest-risk area for these infections.

 

Further complicating the situation, a recent survey highlighted concerning attitudes within local healthcare facilities. It was found that 65.7% of healthcare workers expressed a fear of contracting HIV from patients. Additionally, half of the respondents admitted to holding negative views about the children of HIV-positive individuals. Discrimination within healthcare settings was reported by one in five workers, and one in four were unwilling to treat individuals from high-risk groups.

 

While these statistics underline the pressing need for improved awareness and treatment, a parallel story unfolds involving a local Thai student falsely accused of being a source of the virus.

 

The student has faced intense scrutiny and online abuse following baseless allegations. The virality of these claims has cast a harsh light on the social stigma associated with HIV, illustrating the damaging impact of misinformation. The student is now fighting to restore her reputation while drawing attention to the broader issue of stigma in disease management.

 

Public health officials in Phuket urge a dual approach to tackle this crisis: expanding treatment reach and fostering an environment where seeking care is stigma-free. The narrative highlights the region’s need for comprehensive education campaigns to dispel myths and foster empathy, ensuring all affected individuals feel safe and supported in accessing necessary health services.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-24

 

 

[Purdey]

HIV won't get transmitted if a condom is used. In fact, it isn't that easy to catch it unless one partner has a cut leading to infection through the blood. 

The kids of HIV parents sometimes don't want to reveal to their boyfriend/girlfriend that they were born with HIV, and therefore sometimes don't use condoms. It is an easily avoided situation.  

Very often, those infected with HIV also have another STD, so there may be telltale signs.

[bkk6060]

Still looks like unprotected sex gays are the problem. Seems really dumb and arrogant. Can't get tested or wear protection?

Also, my opinion is the number of gay is much higher as many lie during testing due to the stigma of being gay.

[fredwiggy]

22 minutes ago, Purdey said:

HIV won't get transmitted if a condom is used. In fact, it isn't that easy to catch it unless one partner has a cut leading to infection through the blood. 

The kids of HIV parents sometimes don't want to reveal to their boyfriend/girlfriend that they were born with HIV, and therefore sometimes don't use condoms. It is an easily avoided situation.  

Very often, those infected with HIV also have another STD, so there may be telltale signs.

A condom can prevent transmission but semen and vaginal fluid can still carry HIV .No cut is needed for transmission through regular intercourse. The percentage is small but still possible and does happen.