Bangkok 2004. In Thailand, drug users have to fight for their rights

Injection drug users have been overlooked in the Thai government's response to HIV/AIDS, but not in its war on drugs. They experience constant police harassment and ineffective services, and face stigma and discrimination in society and in the health-care setting. Paisan Suwannawong, of the Thai Drug Users' Network, was scheduled to speak at the Opening Ceremonies of the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok on 11 July 2004. But he was placed last on a very long agenda that included Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and Miss Universe. By the time he spoke, all the dignitaries and almost all the delegates had left the hall. In this edited version of his address, Paisan provides a personal testimonial about what it is like to be a drug user living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand, outlines the problems with the government's response, and describes other obstacles to delivering treatment and other services to drug users.