Young Thai people's attitudes toward people with HIV changing

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Young people's attitudes toward people with HIV changing
TANPISIT LERDBUMRUNGCHAI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Though the attitude among Thai teenagers toward those living with Aids was previously quite negative, a recent interview of high-school students in greater Bangkok revealed that many had changed their minds and were becoming more positive. In addition, many teens also had a better understanding of safe sex, though many admitted that they still felt embarrassed when buying prophylactics.

Lalita Wadwong, 18, from Triamudomsuksanomklao School in Bangkok, said that though she knows the virus can only be contracted via sex, blood transfusions, use of infected needles or from mothers to babies, she is still not comfortable around people living with Aids and tries to stay away.

"Also my peers aren't that interested in learning about HIV/Aids. We studied about it as part of our health education classes in Mathayom 4, and were shown how it can be passed on from one person to another and what we can do to avoid it. I'm not that interested in learning more because I'm not in the high-risk group," she added.

When asked if she would dare purchase a condom before going to bed with someone, she said she would be too embarrassed and would probably ask a friend or her partner to buy it. Though confirming that she would certainly use a condom, Lalita said she did not plan to have sex any time soon because she wanted to wait until she is older.

In comparison, 16-year-old Saengduan Chanto from Samut Prakan School said she was not afraid of people living with HIV, because it was not that bad.

"People should be more forgiving. Those living with HIV/Aids did not want to get this disease. Imagine yourself in their shoes," she said, adding that she and her peers often talked about using condoms and having monogamous relationships in order to protect themselves.

"I would use a condom to protect myself from STDs and to avoid getting pregnant. Though I haven't bought a condom before, I believe I would dare purchase it myself despite feeling shy. If you dare have sex, then you should be daring enough to protect yourself," she added.

Nithinan Chanrod, 15, from Burarat School in Samut Prakan, meanwhile, said he did not worry about getting the virus if he lived with people living with HIV because transmission was not that easy. He said that most teens, himself included, believed that it was necessary to use condoms.

"Wearing a condom when having sex helps prevent problems because we're not of age yet and if the girl gets pregnant, I would not be able to take care of her. Though I haven't had sex yet, I know I would always use a condom. It would certainly prevent pregnancy and STDs," he added.

When asked if he would be embarrassed when purchasing condoms, he said it depended very much on how many people were standing nearby. If there are too many people, he said he would feel shy, though if there were not too many bystanders, he would go ahead with buying them.


-- The Nation 2013-11-29

[jaltsc]

"Though the attitude among Thai teenagers toward those living with Aids was previously quite negative, a recent interview of high-school students in greater Bangkok revealed that many had changed their minds and were becoming more positive. "

Definitely a good and positive start. However, there is the Thai world outside of Bangkok high-school students, whose inhabitants don't know, care, or practice safe sex. It will be extremely difficult for these voices of responsibility to make inroads into a herd mentality based on a culture discouraged from challenging traditional behaviors.

[kamahele]

I think outside of the city it is a tougher sell than in Bangkok. Many people while finishing high school are still indoctrinated with outdated information. Here is to improvement nation wide!

[spidermike007]

This is a very, very positive trend. The sentiment will spread from the capital to the provinces. Open mindedness is what allows a country to grow, progress, and become a better place. Open mindedness would benefit the Thai people a lot, as they already have so many good qualities, they can build on. In my opinion their hearts are pretty damn kind, so with this attitude, who knows where they can go from here? Very good news.

[jdinasia]

Thailand was very progressive when Meechai Viravaidya was more active. We need to bring him back!

I would support this man in anything he did!

http://www.ted.com/talks/mechai_viravaidya_how_mr_condom_made_thailand_a_better_place.html

[edwardandtubs]

Prophylactics? I thought that was something to prevent malaria. Why would that be a source of embarrassment?

[BudRight]

Prophylactics? I thought that was something to prevent malaria. Why would that be a source of embarrassment?

It refers to measures to prevent any disease.

[thailandpeter2]

ok, great, that is a good trend. but how about people in the provinces, or youths who are NOT high-school students? it would have been interesting to make a nationwide survey, among youths from different background and with different education standards...