HIV transmission and AIDS remain a serious problem in Thailand. Approximately 2% of the population of Thailand is HIV positive (1 in 50 people). Thailand, like every country or region, gives a particular local shape to conditions for the transmission of HIV, the physical effects of the virus and the social repercussions for people affected by the virus and/or the disease. The majority of the infected people in Thailand are living within the traditional heterosexual family unit.

Much has improved since HIV and AIDS first spread in Thailand. Organizations such as HIV-NAT, connected to the Thai Red Cross Society, and the Wednesday Friends Club (a support group for those affected) are doing much in terms of medical research and community support. However, problems remain and those who are living with HIV or have AIDS can inevitably feel isolated and excluded from the rest of society. Particular problems are related to secrecy: HIV children, for example, are often isolated from their peers and, in some cases, not even told about their status. Pregnant women carrying the virus have been encouraged by their doctors to terminate their pregnancy and become sterilized. Moreover, local cultural beliefs and social practices take their toll in terms of direct and indirect judgments