Health Thailand Urges Action as HIV Cases Exceed 500,000

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of WebMD

 

Thailand faces a renewed HIV crisis, with health officials highlighting that over half a million residents are living with the virus, and more than 13,000 new infections have been reported this year alone.

 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) revealed on 1st July that 547,556 Thais have tested positive for HIV, with 13,357 cases recorded in 2025. Key issues include failure to practise safe sex and a lack of awareness about personal HIV status.

 

Dr Niti Hetanurak, Deputy Director General of the DDC, expressed concerns: “Many Thais remain unaware of their HIV status due to perceived invulnerability, fear of judgement, or ignorance about home test kits.” Unaware individuals risk transmitting the virus and missing out on crucial treatment options.

 

Early detection is critical, stressed Dr Niti. “Testing early allows access to treatment, reducing complications and the risk of AIDS-derived fatalities.”

 

The government’s response involves a “test and treat” initiative, promoting awareness through free test kits and condoms, and striving to eliminate stigma. A pivotal message within this campaign is the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” principle, highlighting that consistent antiretroviral therapy can reduce viral loads, preventing further transmission.

 

Furthermore, the government offers free HIV testing biannually under the National Health Security System, with the Paotang app providing access to complimentary self-test kits. These kits deliver results in just 20 minutes, and users with positive outcomes are urged to seek medical follow-up immediately. Meanwhile, those testing negative are encouraged to remain vigilant through preventive measures.

 

Dr Pongthorn Chatpitak, head of the AIDS division, emphasised that HIV prevention is feasible. “Consistent condom use is vital with every partner,” he stated, noting that condoms also fend off other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.

 

In response, the DDC is amplifying the distribution of free condoms and lubricants and enhancing online services like Stand By You, which provides risk assessment and discreet home delivery of test kits. Collaborative efforts with schools and youth groups aim to bolster sex education and address social taboos.

 

Today, on 4th July, a significant campaign event titled "Equality with Safety: HPV x Condom" will be held at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. The event will feature HPV vaccines, cervical cancer information, and STI education.

 

Officials are optimistic that this comprehensive drive will mitigate the spread of HIV, reduce illness rates, and foster a culture of safe sex practices, particularly among young Thais.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

[Sir Dude]

Well, letting in all the Indians and Russians will make that happen, as HIV is widespread in both populations... even if under reported.

[angryguy]

Sometimes it feels good to be monogamous 

[novacova]

Just now, angryguy said:

Sometimes it feels good to be monogamous 

Personally wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Social Media]

@BLMFem your trolling response was removed.

 

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[hotchilli]

Scary for the sex workers.

[spidermike007]

If this is true a half a million people out of a population of 68 million is a staggering number. There are a lot of medications that make life with HIV a lot easier than it used to be, I wonder if there's any government assistance for something like that. 

[Tailwagsdog]

18 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

Well, letting in all the Indians and Russians will make that happen, as HIV is widespread in both populations... even if under reported.

..the virus does not discriminate regardless of your race or nationality ..

 

[OneManShow]

Educate people, warn them regarding STD danger. ⚠️ 

[PopGun]

10 minutes ago, Tailwagsdog said:

..the virus does not discriminate regardless of your race or nationality ..

 

I think the comment you are referring to is about geographic populations and not so much ethnicity.

[terryofcrete]

18 hours ago, angryguy said:

Sometimes it feels good to be monogamous 

I’m gonna reincarnate as a Mongoose too ! 

[PopGun]

4 minutes ago, OneManShow said:

Educate people, warn them regarding STD danger. ⚠️ 

"You can lead a horse to water"

[Cameroni]

Basically, before you bang her, get her tested. 

[FlorC]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Many Thais remain unaware of their HIV status

So more than 547,556 in Thailand , 1 in 124 people.

[soalbundy]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Scary for the sex workers.

Even scarier for those using them.

[soalbundy]

18 hours ago, angryguy said:

Sometimes it feels good to be monogamous 

you can only vouch for yourself but not for your partner. Two decent middle aged women in my village have to take medication for HIV because their husbands (both now dead due to aids) used prostitutes. Both women are fit and healthy have been on medication for around 10 years.

[Negita43]

16 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

Basically, before you bang her, get her tested.

Not important before you bang him eh!

[madone]

What the fok is that face rash all about?

 

[kiwikeith]

19 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

Well, letting in all the Indians and Russians will make that happen, as HIV is widespread in both populations... even if under reported.

Sad but true, maybe the need for a compulsory HIV clearance b4 entry ,although the disease can lie dormant for some time.

I took a relative to hospital with HIV, after contacting the Thailand aids foundation, they told me treatment was free, they kicked me out of the hospital when I questioned the DR about this, I got treatment for him from another hospital who issued the drugs free but charged for tests and back up which was very reasonable.

The drugs are supposed to be free but corruption amongst treatment providers sees them charging for the drugs,

very sicko people.

No wonder its spreading, also I have known people with aids ,through this experience of trying to help a relative, that ignore the infection , stop taking drugs and have babies with Gf's, very sad but was told by another rele that its up to them.

Be extra careful out there its Russian roulette not to wear a condom, worse these days than a few tears ago, what  will be done?? nothing I bet.

In other countries it is illegal to have sex with another if you have aids and do not inform them, its a jailing offence and serious if the victim contracts HIV and will die from it.

 

[TheFishman1]

These are shocking numbers out of 68 million population they have this many infections I think they’re underestimating the real amount they don’t want to scare the Tourist away TIT

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Basically, before you bang her, get her tested. 

 

   Or save your money and don't bother banging her ?

[NoMoonLogistics]

8 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Or save your money and don't bother banging her ?

Money ??

Do some poeple actually pay money for sex?

How bizarre. 

Why?

[Nick Carter icp]

36 minutes ago, TheFishman1 said:

These are shocking numbers out of 68 million population they have this many infections I think they’re underestimating the real amount they don’t want to scare the Tourist away TIT

 

    Tourists wouldn't be concerned about catching HIV from a Thai 

[unblocktheplanet]

2 hours ago, madone said:

What the fok is that face rash all about?

And obviously, a white guy, not one of the half-million Thais. Looks like rosacea. Sheryl?

[Aussie999]

3 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Basically, before you bang her, get her tested. 

Logical, but impractical 

[Aussie999]

1 hour ago, NoMoonLogistics said:

Money ??

Do some poeple actually pay money for sex?

How bizarre. 

Why?

So you only indulge in self love 💕 

[FritsSikkink]

22 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

Well, letting in all the Indians and Russians will make that happen, as HIV is widespread in both populations... even if under reported.

Do you have a reliable source to that bold statement or are you talking out of your backside?

[Nick Carter icp]

8 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

So you only indulge in self love 💕 

 

   What is the discussion here ?

*If you don't pay prostitutes for sex, then do you masturbate *?

[Nick Carter icp]

3 hours ago, FlorC said:

So more than 547,556 in Thailand , 1 in 124 people.

 

   They really should have listened to Dr Malcolm B's advice :

*Drinks lots of beer beforehand and Pee all the HIV out afterwards *

[Patong2021]

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Basically, before you bang her, get her tested. 

 

There is an incubation period before the infection is detectable. Home test kits usually need 30 days. Blood tests  usually need 21 days,  and the nucleic  testing  recommends 14 days (even if internet myth says 10 days).  As most people rely on home test kits,  you would need to wait 30 days between test 1 and 2 to be 98% certain. What will you do with the sex worker for the month?

 

3 hours ago, madone said:

What the fok is that face rash all about?

 

58 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

And obviously, a white guy, not one of the half-million Thais. Looks like rosacea. Sheryl?

A rash on the face can be an early symptom of HIV infection, manifesting as a  red area with small pimple like bumps.