THAILAND’S HIV CASES CROSS 550,000 IN 2026; OVER 25,000 AMONG 15–24S
Thailand has recorded 557,993 cumulative HIV cases in 2026, according to health authorities, who said the number of new infections has fallen by 12,000 over the past three years.
Thirteen of Thailand’s 77 provinces now record more than 10,000 cases each, Bangkok Post reported.
Regions Affected
The Central region bears the highest HIV burden, with several provinces reporting more than 10,000 cumulative cases:
- Bangkok: 88,535 cumulative HIV cases — the highest in Thailand.
- Chonburi: 31,072 cases.
- Chiang Mai: 23,949 cases.
- Chiang Rai: 17,524 cases.
- Other provinces with over 10,000 cases: Nakhon Ratchasima, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Khon Kaen, Pathum Thani, Udon Thani, Rayong, Songkhla and Ubon Ratchathani.
- Songkhla: 10,644 cumulative cases, the highest in Health Region 12, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12.
Youths at High Risk
Young people aged 15 to 24 are a particular concern, accounting for more than 25,000 cumulative cases, the report said.
Officials said infections in the region were concentrated among young people and the working-age population, with unprotected sex remaining a major factor.
HIV Treatment
More than 83% of people receiving HIV care are on continuous antiretroviral treatment in the country, and have achieved effective viral suppression, reducing the risk of serious illness and onward transmission, the report said.
Why New Infections Remain a Concern
Speaking to local media, Associate Professor Dr. Opas Putcharoen, Deputy Director of the AIDS and Infectious Diseases Research Center at the Thai Red Cross, said new cases will continue to rise in the country due to increased testing, which identifies nearly 60,000 people who are unaware they are infected, combined with an estimated 8,000–9,000 new cases annually.
The most concerning and critical group is youth aged 15–24. The reason new infections have not decreased is insufficient knowledge about HIV and AIDS, Thairath Online reported.
He noted that many people underestimate their risk and therefore do not protect themselves. He stressed the urgency of campaigns encouraging people to know their HIV status so those who test positive can start treatment and reduce transmission.
Health officials said more efforts were needed to expand access to testing, encourage consistent condom use and ensure people living with HIV remain on antiretroviral treatment.
They said early diagnosis and continued treatment reduce infections and improve the long-term health of people living with HIV.
What Is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body's immune system, increasing the chances of developing serious infections or cancer.The virus specifically targets CD4 cells, which are crucial for the body’s defence against infections. As HIV progresses, it destroys these cells, weakening the immune system over time. If left untreated, this continuous damage can lead to AIDS.
There is no cure for HIV, but prevention and treatment options are available.
For HIV, the primary treatment goal is to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, thus maintaining a strong immune system and preventing further transmission of the virus. People living with HIV can often live long, healthy lives if they adhere to ART.
How To Stay Safe?
According to UNAIDS, HIV risk can be effectively prevented by combining barrier methods, antiretroviral medications, and harm reduction strategies. Key prevention methods include:
- Use Condoms
- Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Emergency antiretroviral medication must be started within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure to stop the infection.
- Avoid sharing needles, syringes, or other injection and sharp equipment, and use sterile instruments for any medical or body-modification procedures.