Thailand: Sex Work and HIV/AIDS

Beginning in the late 1980s, the HIV epidemic increased rapidly in Thailand, particularly in the upper Northern region. In 1990‐91, soon after it was observed that the HIV epidemic was spreading among injecting drug users and sex workers, the government acted decisively, launching a nationwide campaign to reduce HIV transmission. Thailand became the first country in Asia to launch the 100% Condom Use Programme (CUP) – a collaborative effort among local authorities, public health officers, sex establishment owners, and sex workers – a target was set to ensure that clients could not purchase sexual services without condom use.