24,000 young adolescents with HIV currently live in Thailand. They account for almost half of all new infections every year.
Silence and stigma will only put more people at risk. HIV is nothing to be ashamed of. Sharing your status, talking to your friends and family, and getting tested early require courage.
These are the stories of those who found that courage.
สมศักดิ์ อายุ 17 ปี
Somsak was born and raised in Chiang Mai. He still lives in Chiang Mai with his parents and 4 younger brothers. He is a senior in high school. Every month, he goes to a local clinic to get tested for HIV for free.
"I was very nervous the first time I went" - he says. "However, I realized that the staff is very professional and keeps everything confidential. It only takes a few minutes and I feel good about protecting others by knowing my status."
By testing, Somsak makes use of the extensive network of facilities in the country that offer free testing and support. Find your nearest testing center here.
ไกรสีห์ อายุ 20 ปี
Kraisi has been with his boyfriend for one year. They currently live in Phuket. Even on their first date Kraisi told him that he was HIV positive.
"You are always afraid of getting rejected when sharing your status. However, I could not put others at risk. Staying single for the rest of my life was also not an option. In fact, I was surprised how open most people were to going on a date with me. HIV did not really hold me back - and now I have a supportive boyfriend."
Thanks to effective treatment, Kraisi can not infect his partner. Learn more about the benefits of treatment here.
กอบสุข อายุ 19 ปี
Kobsuk was devastated at first when he got diagnosed with HIV at age 18. He is from Nakhon Si Thammarat and born into a Muslim family. Kobsuk was feeling very depressed for months after the diagnosis.
"It was especially difficult pretending that everything's alright. It felt like I was keeping a secret from the people I love the most - my family. I was so afraid that they would not like me anymore if they know I'm HIV-positive." - he says. "My friends supported me and one day I finally told my family. We are now even closer than before. Of course, it was not easy, especially given our religion, but now they support me and I feel relieved not having to live with this secret anymore."
ชาญณรงค์ อายุ 18 ปี
Channarong received his diagnosis only a month ago. He went to get tested with his best friends in Pattaya City. At first, he was very ashamed that he got a positive result back, but the support from his friends really helped him deal with the news.
"My friends were there for me after I got diagnosed. They supported me with treatment decisions right after. It feels scary to be so young and have HIV, but my friends truly support me. And I'm feeling great with the treatment I receive. My friends even come with me to regular checkups. It is good to know I can count on them."
แพรว อายุ 22 ปี
Praew was born and raised in Krabi. He was diagnosed when he was 20. He was hesitant to get treatment, but then he realized it is not scarier than just taking daily vitamins.
"Treatment allows me to live a normal life. Since I started early, I'm not any different from any of my friends. I feel great. Honestly, the treatment is not even that daunting, it is like taking supplements. With treatment I regained the confidence to look at my future happily, knowing I will be fine and I can protect everyone around me."
Your doctor can help you find the right treatment. Learn more about the benefits of treatment here.
กิตติศักดิ์ อายุ 20 ปี
Kittisak was diagnosed when he was 19. He thought HIV is his death sentence. In reality, nothing has changed other than going for regular check-ups and taking his medication in the morning. He was born in Lampang and now lives in Bangkok.
"Living with HIV is so much better now than it was before. Now, there is treatment available and I don't experience any side effects. My doctor really helped me understand the effectiveness of treatment. For me it's a no-brainer, since otherwise my HIV status could actually impact my health and others. But with treatment, it doesn't."
Treatment helps. Learn more about the benefits of treatment here.
อาทิตย์ พร อายุ 17 ปี
Athit who lives in Bangkok gets free PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It protects him from HIV. Even if he has sex with someone who is positive, he is protected.
"PrEP is a huge relief to me. I started taking it a couple of months ago and I know I can really trust in it and not be worried about getting HIV anymore. Of course, I still use condoms to protect myself from other diseases, but at least I know that HIV is not a threat to me anymore. And it's free!"
Additional resources
Educational resources: Ramathibodi University Hospital HIV Information, Love Foundation, Bumrungrad Hospital HIV Information, Department of Disease Control, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand, Vejthani Hospital HIV Information
Testing: Thai HIV Test, Thailand Love Foundation, Love2Test, Thailand Red Cross
Make sure to also check out local Facebook groups such as the ones mentioned in this article.
Credits:
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