Post by : Badri Ariffin

HIV remains a major public health challenge in Chiang Mai, with health authorities reporting around 23,900 cumulative HIV infections in the province. Officials say approximately 700 new HIV cases are recorded every year, which is equal to nearly two new infections each day on average.

According to the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, HIV is no longer limited to specific population groups. The virus is now affecting people across different communities, with migrant workers and ethnic minority groups among those facing the greatest risks.

Migrant Workers and Ethnic Minorities Face Healthcare Barriers

Health officials said many migrant workers and people from ethnic minority communities continue to experience difficulties in accessing healthcare services.

These barriers include language differences, limited access to medical treatment because of healthcare rights, the absence of identification documents and concerns about social stigma. As a result, some people postpone or completely avoid HIV testing and treatment, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.

Authorities stressed that improving access to healthcare for these communities remains an important part of controlling HIV infections in the province.

HIV Prevalence Remains High Among Some High-Risk Groups

The Provincial Public Health Office also reported that 3.6% of ethnic minority men involved in sex work are living with HIV.

Officials said this figure reflects ongoing gaps in prevention services and healthcare access for high-risk groups. They noted that stronger support and wider access to prevention programmes are needed to reduce new infections within these communities.

Young People Account for Nearly Half of New HIV Infections

Health authorities identified young people between the ages of 15 and 24 as another group requiring urgent attention.

National data shows that 49% of all new HIV infections occur among people in this age group.

Officials believe several factors are contributing to this trend, including changing sexual behaviour, limited knowledge about HIV prevention and restricted access to healthcare services designed specifically for young people.

They emphasised that improving awareness and expanding youth-friendly healthcare services could help reduce new infections among younger populations.

Adults Aged 25 to 49 Continue to Report the Most Cases

While young people represent a growing concern, adults aged 25 to 49 years continue to account for the highest number of new HIV infections.

Health officials explained that this age group remains the most socially and sexually active, making it a key focus for HIV education campaigns, regular testing and improved access to treatment services.

Authorities believe continued prevention efforts among adults are essential to slowing the spread of the virus.

Dating Applications Linked to Higher HIV Transmission Risks

The Provincial Public Health Office also highlighted changing behaviour in the digital era as an emerging challenge.

Local data shows that 61.9% of men who have sex with men (MSM) use dating applications to meet and have sexual encounters with people they have not previously known.

Officials warned that this behaviour may increase the risk of HIV transmission as well as the spread of other sexually transmitted infections, including mpox.

Health Officials Call for Better Prevention and Equal Access to Care

The Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office said the latest figures underline the importance of reducing inequalities in healthcare access, especially for marginalised communities, young people and other high-risk populations.

Officials are encouraging stronger public education through digital platforms, more inclusive healthcare services and continued efforts to reduce HIV-related stigma.

They also stressed the need to expand access to HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and timely treatment so that more people can receive care as early as possible.

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