Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Wassana Nanuam and Saritdet Marukatat
Wat Wiwekwanasom Prommarangsi, about 5km from the Padang Besar border checkpoint opposite Perlis in Malaysia it started admitting Aids patients for treatment in 1992 free of charge.
The temple uses herbal potions created by abbot Phra Thaweep Panya-thacho who claims to be an authority on Aids.
His temple project was apparently inspired by a trip to visit and preach to Aids patients in California.
"My medicines have secret formulae and the ingredients cannot be revealed," the 51-year-old monk said.
He claimed most of his patients have recovered and returned home to live normal lives, but they must continue to take the medication, stop being sexually promiscuous, ensure they have a good diet and take care of themselves.
According to the abbot, only 200 of his 20,000 patients have died.
His is one of several temples in Thailand which offer alternative medicines for Aids patients.
Director-General of the Disease Control Department, Charal Trinvuthipong, said the Public Health Ministry closely monitored all places offering herbal and alternative medicines to treat Aids.
Despite no scientific proof as to their effectiveness, he said that herbal medicines should not be ruled out as another means of fighting the epidemic.
According to Atek Sae-cheng, an Aids patient from Malaysia's Kedah state who is being treated at the temple, he now feels much better, is no longer in pain and his appetite has improved after receiving treatment from the abbot.
Another Aids patient, Jirapa Khongsammana said she hoped to survive and go home because her infected wounds were dry after two weeks of taking herbal medicine at the temple.
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