Rights Groups Challenge HIV Ban in Police Recruitment

Rights Groups Challenge HIV Ban in Police Recruitment

Advocacy groups are pressing the Royal Thai Police to scrap a regulation that bars applicants living with HIV or AIDS from joining the force. Campaigners say the rule is discriminatory, medically outdated, and harmful to qualified candidates who are capable of working normally while on treatment. They also pointed to the principle of U=U, arguing that people with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV to others. The petition argues the restriction conflicts with constitutional protections against discrimination and with Thailand’s broader AIDS strategy. The groups are also calling for revised recruitment standards and internal education to reduce stigma within the organisation.