Thailand reports 13,000 new HIV cases this year, sharp rise among youth and tourist areas

Deputy health minister Chaichana Dechdecho warned lawmakers on July 7 that while total HIV cases have stabilized nationwide, new infections among teenagers and young adults are climbing rapidly due to complacency and the mistaken belief that HIV is no longer a serious threat.

According to the National Health Security Office, Thailand has logged more than 547,000 HIV cases to date. Hotspots include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima, localities with large populations and heavy tourist traffic, OANA reported.

In response, the public health ministry plans to distribute condoms in schools and ramp up sex education. Officials will also work with private businesses in high-risk industries and expand HIV testing nationwide.

Thailand's goal is to cut new infections to under 1,000 cases and reduce deaths to below 4,000 annually. However, experts warn these targets may be hard to achieve as many young people falsely believe HIV is curable.

Each year, Thailand spends about ฿8.4 billion (US$229 million) on HIV prevention and treatment, with most funds going toward medication rather than prevention programs. Annual treatment costs average ฿12,000 per patient, covering both citizens and over 5,700 foreign residents, the Bangkok Post reported.