HIV remains a significant public health concern in Chiang Mai, with health authorities reporting approximately 23,900 cumulative infections and about 700 new cases each year - almost two new infections a day on average.
According to the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, the virus is no longer confined to specific populations but is affecting a broad range of communities, particularly migrant workers and ethnic minority groups.
These vulnerable populations often face barriers to healthcare, including language differences, limited treatment rights, lack of identification documents and concerns over social stigma, leading some to delay or avoid HIV testing and treatment.
Health officials also reported a 3.6% HIV prevalence among ethnic minority men engaged in sex work, highlighting persistent gaps in access to prevention services and healthcare.
Young people aged 15 to 24 are another group of growing concern. Nationally, roughly half of all new HIV infections, 49%, occur within this age group. Officials attribute the trend to changing sexual behaviour, limited awareness of HIV prevention and restricted access to youth-friendly healthcare services.
Adults aged 25 to 49 continue to account for the largest number of new infections. As the most socially and sexually active age group they remain a key target for ongoing education, routine testing and improved access to treatment.
The Provincial Public Health Office also warned that changing behaviour in the digital age was contributing to new risks. Local data shows 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, a practice that may increase the risk of HIV transmission as well as other sexually transmitted infections, including mpox.
Health officials said the situation underscores the need to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare, particularly for marginalised communities, young people and other high-risk groups.
They advocate stronger public education through digital platforms, more inclusive healthcare services and efforts to tackle HIV-related stigma, while ensuring wider access to HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and timely treatment.
