Update

Singer Chalatit Tantiwut appointed UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand

01 July 2016

UNAIDS has appointed the singer and television personality Chalatit Tantiwut as a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand.

The announcement was made on 1 July during a special National HIV Testing Day event hosted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Pusadee Tamthai, was among the first to congratulate him. 

Mr Chalatit will help raise awareness and promote greater use of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services, particularly among gay men and other men who have sex with men.

Thailand has made immense progress in its AIDS response, with new HIV infections dropping by 56% since 2005. At the same time, there is a continuing epidemic among gay men and other men who have sex with men, especially in large urban areas. BMA’s Department of Health reports that in 2014 HIV prevalence among gay men and other men who have sex with men was 28.6% in Bangkok, which was much higher than among the general population.

Mr Chalatit’s powerful voice has entranced Thailand’s music scene for more than a decade. He has recorded numerous hits and has also acted in movies and television series.

Quotes

“I am honoured to be working with UNAIDS in this new role as National Goodwill Ambassador. As a gay man, I am concerned that the AIDS epidemic is striking hard the gay community in Thailand. It is my hope to help end the AIDS epidemic by intensifying efforts to ensure everyone accesses the services they need and no one is left behind.”

Chalatit Tantiwut UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand

“Music is a powerful platform to reach people and the UNAIDS family is thrilled to work with one of Thailand’s most popular singers. By letting the music speak out Chalatit Tantiwut will help make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and advance Thailand’s efforts towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.”

Tatiana Shoumilina UNAIDS Country Director for Thailand