Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - May 2, 2009
Charoenluk Phetpradub
They also have to live with a social stigma and discrimination that comes in many shapes and forms.
State university admission requires students to undergo blood tests and those who turn out HIV-positive are labelled 'inadmissible.' That has shattered the dreams of some of the youngsters at Ban Home Hug who want to further their education.
Ploy recently finished her lower secondary education with a grade point average of 3.6. "I want be a doctor so I can return to take care of my sisters and brothers at Ban Home Hug," she said.
Ploy and her friends pleaded with the authorities for her to be allowed to continue her education.
She wanted the authorities in charge of admission to give students with HIV the chance to enrol in universities.
Ploy hopes the public will develop a better understanding of the issues faced by children with HIV, and give them a chance to develop their talents and pursue further educational achievement.
Phueak is another member of Ban Home Hug. He turned 14 this year and just finished his first year at secondary school with a 3.22 GPA.
Phueak said he dreamed of being a soccer star who brought fame to the country as well as Ban Home Hug.
Phueak contracted HIV from his biological parents. All he wants is to live a normal life.
Aey has finished her lower secondary education and aspires to be a reporter covering stories to educate people about how Ban Home Hug has made a difference to children's lives.
Ban Home Hug children's potential to live a normal life is echoed by Niran Pithakwatchara, chairman of Ubon Ratchathani Civil Society Foundation.
Dr Niran said the children at Ban Home Hug do not have any intellectual or emotional problems. They are growing up as normal children. They do well in the classroom and some have shown special talent at sports and other activities.
Bancha Pongpanit, an adviser to the National Health Commission Office, said children at Ban Home Hug have learned and experienced more problems in their lives than most other children.
They have experienced the pain of grief as well as the joy of happiness. Over time, they have figured a way out of their misery and have learned how to stand on their own two feet, he said.
But there are still many children with HIV in Thai society who are a lot more disadvantaged than those at the home.
"But how can we make more shelters like Ban Home Hug available for them in every corner of Thai society?" Dr Bancha said.
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