AEGiS-Bangkok Post: Call to replace beauty queen with child victim: NGOs want rethink on candlelight opener

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Call to replace beauty queen with child victim: NGOs want rethink on candlelight opener

Bangkok Post - July 2, 2004

Non-governmental organisations wanted International Aids Conference organisers to replace Miss Thailand with a child affected by HIV/Aids in the candlelight memorial ceremony during the opening of the conference.

Speaking after the final pre-conference meeting held by the Ministry of Public Health, Nimit Thienudom of Aids Access Foundation said since the candle lighting ceremony is carried out in memory of those who died of HIV/Aids, it would be more appropriate for someone affected by the virus to light the candle.

The ceremony is expected to follow opening remarks given by United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan and International Aids Society president Joep Lange.

Mrs Sudarat said she would consider the request to have a child with Aids replace Miss Thailand at the opening.

The NGOs also urged conference organisers to ban distribution of a Thai language leaflet on HIV/Aids which they say carried misleading and inaccurate information.

The leaflet, printed by the Disease Control Department, will be handed out during the XV International Aids Conference on July 11-16 at Muang Thong Thani.

Sujima Viravaidya, youth coordinator for the conference, said the information could lead to confusion.

Mrs Sudarat, meanwhile, has asked police to step up security and control any demonstrations and protests.

"There will be lots of international media here, and we don't want any bad images sent out," said Mrs Sudarat. Women officials should handle protests, to convey a "soft image" of Thai law enforcement. She said the ministry should take the opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of Aids.

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