AIDS-related stigma in Thailand

Abstract

Since the emergence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, a growing body of research literature documented HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in Thailand and elsewhere. The purpose of this study was to better understand community attitudes towards persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in the context of the decreasing rates of HIV/AIDS infection and the HIV/AIDS intervention programs in Thailand. This study applies focus group discussion method to investigate community attitudes towards the PLWHAs in a Northern Thai district. Research participants comprised both non-infected community people and HIV-positive people in the district which has a relatively high concentration of PLWHAs. The study indicates that despite remarkable positive changes in the community attitudes, stigma and discrimination were still persisting in different spheres of community life. It also indicates that PLWHAs also self-stigmatise themselves. Policy options for fighting AIDS-related stigma are discussed.