Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - July 2, 2001
Anjira Assavanonda
Itthirak Samitsuwan, president of Life and Hope Club, said the best way to tackle the disease was to share experiences and advice with other sufferers.
Mr Itthirak said he felt shocked and hopeless when he first contracted HIV in 1986. With his mother's help, he forced himself to learn how to live with the disease.
He started to feel his own value when he met other HIV/Aids sufferers and listened as they shared their experiences. Mr Itthirak set up the Wednesday Friends' Club, the first club of its kind for people infected with HIV.
His life changed remarkably when he became a presenter of the government's anti-HIV campaign and made his HIV status public.
After he told the world he had the disease, some people were disgusted while others gave him moral support and encouragement.
"Since then, I've realised my rights were more respected because I dared to speak the truth and stand up for myself," Mr Itthirak said.
Unfortunately, many sufferers have had their rights violated by those around them, even doctors who disclosed their status to relatives or refused to give them medication.
"Many of these HIV-infected patients are afraid to demand their rights in case their secret is exposed to the public. This is the weakness which has caused the endless intimidation of their rights," Mr Itthirak said.
He said he has always made his own decisions regarding medication and therapy. He only began taking anti-retroviral drugs this year when his symptoms worsened. Before that, he opted for meditation and food supplements.
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