HIV Cases Surge in Thailand's 'Paradise', Rising by Nearly Two per Day
Thailand’s health authorities have issued a warning after HIV cases in Chiang Mai province continued to rise. One of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations now records approximately 700 new HIV cases each year, or an average of nearly two new cases every day.
The Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office reported that there are currently around 23,900 cumulative HIV cases in the region. The spread of the virus is no longer confined to specific groups but is increasingly widespread in the community, particularly among migrant workers and ethnic minority groups.
According to authorities, these two groups still face various obstacles in accessing health services, ranging from language barriers, limited rights to obtain treatment, lack of identity documents, to concerns about social stigma. These conditions cause some of them to delay or even avoid HIV testing and treatment.
The Thai government is also highlighting the youth demographic. Nationally, around 49 per cent of new HIV infections occur in the 15-24 age group. Health officials assess that this trend is driven by changes in sexual behaviour, low understanding of HIV prevention, and limited access to youth-friendly health services.
Meanwhile, the 25-49 age group still accounts for the largest number of new infections, making them a continued target for education, routine HIV testing, and expanded access to treatment.
In addition, health authorities are highlighting the increased use of dating applications. Local data shows that around 61.9 per cent of men who have sex with men use such applications to meet previously unknown partners. This practice can increase the risk of HIV transmission as well as other sexually transmitted infections, including mpox.
To curb the spread of HIV, the local government is working to expand access to HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and to encourage early treatment, while reducing the stigma against people living with HIV.