AIDS suspected in Thai's death

FAKFAK, Irian Jaya: A Thai national believed to have died from complications of AIDS was cremated on Saturday in Coa village, Fakfak regency, Irian Jaya.

Antara reported that the deceased worked for a fishing company in Kaimana as chief officer of the Adi Jaya 101.

Damian Thie, a health official for Fakfak regency, said the man's identity was being kept confidential in line with medical ethics. He said the individual displayed symptoms consistent with underlying HIV infection, including diarrhea, marked weight loss and thrush (candida).

Data on the number of individuals in Kaimana with HIV/AIDS showed 24 people in 1998 through 1999. Of this number, 22 are Thai, with most of them working in the local fishery business. (06)