Soaring cases of syphilis in Thailand prompt government department to rethink how to gain the attention of sexually active Thai people.
An alarming rise in sexually transmitted syphilis cases has prompted Thailand’s Disease Control Department to implement the distribution of free condoms via vending machines in Bangkok starting last week.
Called the “condom anytime, anywhere” policy, both condoms and HIV self-test kits began to be officially distributed on February 15th to anyone who visits the machines in Bangkok’s popular Siam Square area. Sun Vending Technology (SVT), a Thailand-based operation, has agreed to be the first company to support the initiative. Ultimately, the goal is for 10 vending machines and automatic booths to distribute the free items at department stores, universities, and communities. Members of the public will be able to acquire the condoms and kits for free without needing an ID.
The policy was expanded after a successful test run via snack and drink vending machines at a Bangkok shopping mall and Bangkok Thonburi University. “Previously, condom vending machines were set up in men’s restrooms in a hotel where money is paid,” said Dr. Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, Director-General, Disease Control Department. “After a while, people didn’t dare use them. So we put in a vending machine that sells water and snacks, and people will dare to go and buy them. Because other people won’t know if they went in to get drinks, snacks, or anything, and they could get condoms and test kits for free.”
Officials in Pattaya, a city 99 miles (166 kilometers) south of Bangkok, announced a similar initiative called “Love Bang, Love Safe” last week. Two vending machines with the prominent campaign logo will also distribute free condoms, no questions asked. Customers can press a button to receive a brightly colored condom from a selection of five different sizes.
Both campaigns are a result of concern raised by Disease Control Department data which shows that syphilis infections in Thailand have more than doubled from 11 cases per 100,000 people in 2018 to 24.8 per 100,000 in 2023. Amongst young people, the syphilis infection rate rose from 27.9 cases per 100,000 in 2018 to 90.5 per 100,000 last year. Recent surveys also show that the risk of young people getting HIV is also rising, as only 80% of youths use condoms during sex.
Alarmed by the data, the Thai government also announced late last month that it would distribute 95 million condoms free of cost to curb sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teen pregnancies. At the beginning of February, all universal healthcare cardholders were eligible to receive 10 condoms a week for one year. The condoms will be made available at pharmacies and primary care units of hospitals across the country. About 50 million Thai citizens are enrolled in the scheme. The diseases which the government aims to prevent include syphilis, cervical cancer, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and AIDS.
Separately, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health recently announced that they will collaborate with the private sector and civil groups to enhance access to treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. The goal is to reduce the infection rate to one per 100,000 people by 2030, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to stop the spread of STDs.
