Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - November 10, 2004
Namnueng Supsin
Sue M Carey, director of the Canada Southeast Asia Regional HIV/Aids Project (Csearhap), said there was a lack of control and prevention of the disease among local and migrant sex workers, particularly those from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Two provinces with high numbers of alien workers - Prachuap Khiri Khan and Trat - were selected for a pilot study for the four-year project.
Also helping in the project, funded by the Canadan International Development Agency (Cida), was the Raks Thai Foundation.
Initially, it was found that migrant workers in the two provinces belonged to a high-risk group.
"The project is aimed at promoting better understanding among sex workers about the disease in order that they may protect themselves," Ms Carey said.
However, she said it was agreed that it would be best for these vulnerable workers if the economy in their countries were strengthened so they would have no need to leave their homeland for work.
The project, initiated at an international conference in Bangkok in 2002, was a shift from a medical approach to a safe mobility approach which was billed as a way toward sustainable HIV/Aids prevention.
David Patterson, a project consultant, said it was hoped the project would enable sex workers to protect their own rights.
"These people should have the right to better education and a decent job. We would seek cooperation from state agencies in carrying out the work. " Mr Patterson said.
A fund would be sought for health insurance for the workers.
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