Thailand remains committed to working with other partners to end the AIDS epidemic in the region. Speaking to UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on 27 October in Bangkok, Thailand, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha emphasized that Thailand will maintain its efforts in the HIV response and will share its experience with neighbouring countries and the world. He also stressed that Thailand’s commitment to the three zeroes—zero new HIV-infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths—is absolutely unwavering.

Through its innovative Ending AIDS by 2030 strategy, on 1 October the country became the first in Asia to offer life-saving treatment to everyone living with HIV. Documented and undocumented migrants can access a similar package of services. The Prime Minister said that globalization and migrant labour is a reality and there is a need to ensure that no one is left behind.

Mr Sidibé congratulated the Prime Minister for Thailand’s innovation and remarkable progress in placing people at the centre of the AIDS response. “Thailand showed that with commitment and vision it is possible to reach the three zeroes,” said Mr Sidibé. “We see Thailand as a strong transformative force for social justice in the AIDS response.”

Mr Sidibé is on a two-day trip to the country, during which he is meeting government leaders and key civil society organizations.

In 2013, Thailand estimates that almost 460 000 people were living with HIV, which is a 33% reduction since 2000. There were 8256 new HIV infections in 2013, which was a reduction of 71% from 2000, and nearly 21 000 people died of AIDS-related causes, which was a decrease of 62% since 2000.