Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - June 3, 2001
Pornsith Pibulanakrintr
Ban Bang Pakong clinic and Salang Bunnag Foundation distributed the pills to thousands of HIV/Aids patients at the stadium free of charge.
The foundation prepared 3,000 sets of the product, which is registered as a food supplement, for distribution. But supplies fell far short of demand.
Despite criticism from the Food and Drug Administration and Jon Ungpakorn, a Bangkok senator and anti-Aids activist, more than 4,000 people queued up for the pills yesterday.
Some even waited at the gate since Friday night to make sure they get the free handouts.
At least two of them did not have the chance to use the V-1 Immunitor pills.
Wimol Thongsang, 46, a last-stage Aids patient from Pattani, died on the way to Bangkok. Chatchai Yodkrikieng-dej, 40, from Lop Buri, passed away while waiting for the handout.
Pol Gen Salang Bunnag, a retired police general who chairs the Salang Bunnag Foundation, said the foundation would continue distributing the V-1 Immunitor pills free of charge.
"If the V-1 Immunitor is allowed to be registered as a drug for Aids patients, it can be included in the government's 30-baht health scheme," he said.
He claimed the free distribution of V-1 Immunitor led to the reduction in the price of other Aids drugs.
The product was made from domestic materials and gave hope to all the poor to recover from the deadly disease.
Pol Gen Salang refused to comment on a move by Aids activists for police to take legal action against him for allegedly exaggerating the quality of V-1 Immunitor pills.
"I do not have time to think about it since thousands of patients are still waiting outside for help. The first priority now is to save people," he said.
Donations and supporters came from everywhere to help the foundation hand out pills to the large number of people who showed up.
Police officers, Ruam Katanyu and Por Teck Tung foundation staff members arrived early in the morning to organise the handout and provide food and drink for all patients and staff.
"The co-operation of many organisations today marks a new dimension in the anti-Aids campaign in Thailand," Pol Gen Salang said.
The crowd was surprised by the arrival of Luang Por Koon Parisuto, the popular abbot of Wat Banrai in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Despite his weak health, the monk came all the way from Nakhon Ratchasima to the stadium to give moral support to the patients and people who were involved in the distribution of the product.
All patients were registered and examined by doctors before being given V-1 Immunitor pills.
Patients were given a week's supply of pills.
The medical team, led by Dr Montri Sethabutr of Ban Bang Pakong clinic, worked tirelessly to examine as many patients as possible.
Vichai Jirathitikal, inventor of the V-1 Immunitor, said he was pleased with the big turnout. He demanded the government pay serious attention and closely co-operate with every organisation researching and developing anti-Aids medicines.
Kristy Gibson, a Dutch-British Isan music singer, also went to the stadium as an observer. She expressed concern over the increase in HIV/Aids patients in Thailand.
She said she learned about the debate on the effects of the V-1 Immunitor from the press. She said she personally supported the programme. "If it can help Aids patients, it should not be banned," she said. The singer helped boost the morale of patients with her songs and also gave donations in support of the V-1 programme.
Most patients believed the V-1 Immunitor would help them recover from Aids. Some of them said they were uncertain of the result but thought it was worth trying. The medicine gave them hope and they had nothing to lose.
Most patients believed Pol Gen Salang was sincere in trying to help them but his programme was opposed because some people stood to lose from it.
010603
BP010601
Copyright © 2001 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .