Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - November 10, 2005
Anjira Assavanonda
The problems will be addressed at the People's Aids Forum to be held at Sanam Luang on Nov 23-25 under two major themes entitled "Know the facts of HIV/Aids" and "Keep your promise".
"Thailand has been unable to tackle its Aids problems, contrary to appearances, despite the HIV infection rate falling in certain groups,"said Senator Jon Ungphakorn, organising committee chairman.
He expressed concern that the government and society have paid less attention to HIV/Aids issues despite the fact that the problems still exist.
"It may be true that Thailand has already passed the most critical HIV/Aids period, but many problems remain,"said Mr Jon.
The government, he said, also lacked clear policies to address discrimination against people living with HIV/Aids, while society viewed them as people waiting to die despite the fact Aids can be treated.
"This government has shown little interest in HIV/Aids problems. The issue was never mentioned in its platform policies in the latest election campaign. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has never attended the meeting of the National Aids Committee and normally sends some of his deputies instead. And so far it appears that nobody in the administration specialises in the issue," said Mr Jon.
He said Thailand also lacks a sustainable mechanism to prevent HIV/Aids, and he saw sex education and life-skills training in schools as being key to achieving this.
With all these issues being addressed, organisers are hopeful the forum will raise public awareness about the real Aids situation in Thailand.
Nimit Tien-udom of Aids Access Foundation said the forum is the first of its kind organised by civic groups, and will truly show the plight of grassroots people.
"This forum won't ask the government to do this and that for us. But we'll show them the existing problems and the model projects to cope with them,"said Mr Nimit.
The event will include an exhibition about HIV/Aids, academic forums, live performances, consulting services from 18 Aids-related networks, such as the networks of drug users, HIV carriers and service workers.
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