In 2026, over 550,000 people were infected with HIV. Over the past three years, the number of infections nationwide has decreased by 12,000, with the most concerning group being those aged 15–24 years.
On 28 July 2026, the Facebook page of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) highlighted that HIV remains a close concern. Recently, Chiang Mai province reported an average of two new HIV cases per day, with a cumulative total of 23,949 infections. The most worrisome group is the 15–24-year-olds. Additionally, sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea have been continuously increasing.
Dr. Lab Panda revealed the 2026 HIV infection statistics, showing the central region with the highest numbers, followed by the northeast, north, east, south, and west. Thirteen provinces have surpassed 10,000 cases. The main cause remains negligence and lack of protection.
In the acute stage, about 2 to 4 weeks after infection, the body produces enough HIV antibodies to be detected by antibody tests. During this acute phase, HIV spreads easily because the virus multiplies rapidly. This rapid increase in viral load can be detected before HIV antibodies appear.
In the latent stage, HIV infection lies between the acute phase and the onset of AIDS. During chronic HIV infection, the viral load gradually increases while CD4 cell counts decrease. The decline in CD4 cells indicates increasing immune system damage.
In the AIDS stage, HIV destroys CD4 white blood cells in the immune system, making the body vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers. AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV infection. Diagnosis requires either an AIDS-defining condition or a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV. However, antiretroviral therapy can slow or prevent progression from one stage to another, allowing HIV-infected individuals to live longer and healthier lives, provided they take medication for life.
In 2024, there were 565,598 infected individuals: 1,233 children under 15 years, 28,665 youths aged 15–24, and 564,365 adults over 15. New cases totaled 8,124: 40 children under 15, 3,958 youths 15–24, and 8,084 adults over 15. Deaths numbered 9,067: 93 children under 15, 257 youths 15–24, and 8,974 adults over 15.
In 2025, there were 568,565 infected individuals: about 1,113 children under 15, 25,182 youths 15–24, and approximately 564,485–567,452 adults over 15. New cases included 11 children under 15, 1,854 youths 15–24, and 8,113 adults over 15. Deaths totaled 9,067: fewer than 10 children under 15, 150–200 youths 15–24, and 9,067–10,217 adults over 15.
In 2026, infections totaled 557,993: about 1,020 children under 15, 25,120 youths 15–24, and approximately 563,200 adults over 15. New cases included fewer than 10 children under 15, about 1,600–1,800 youths 15–24, and approximately 3,300 adults over 15. Deaths ranged between 8,500 and 9,067: nearly zero children under 15, 100–150 youths 15–24, and 8,500–9,067 adults over 15.