The complex relationship between drug abuse and HIV/AIDS is increasingly recognized as a priority for intervention by the UN system.
- Injecting drug users are extremely vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because of immediate risks associated with sharing of contaminated injecting equipment. Their families and communities are also at high risk because drug users are sexually active.
- Drug users are more likely to be involved in occasional or regular commercial sex transactions to feed their habit. This places them at high risk of HIV/AIDS.
- Consumption of mind-altering substances, whether legal or illegal, increases risk behavior such as extramarital and/or unprotected sex.
The UNDCP Regional Center for East Asia and the Pacific is organizing 3 main events in Bangkok to celebrate International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Suzuki concert
The international day against drugs will bring to Bangkok the outstanding Suzuki Orchestra from Turin, Italy. Famous for its teaching method and for being composed by children, the Orchestra will play in Bangkok for two days: 27 and 28 June 2002, at the UNCC/ESCAP Hall at the UN Building and at the Siam City Hotel, Kamolthip Ballroom respectively. The inaugural concert on 27 June will be graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn.
The aim of these special charity concerts is to raise awareness about human security in the region by reaching Thai society and communicating that only through a joint societal venture these calamities can be overcome. The children, symbol of purity and the future, will play accompanied by a multimedia show depicting child and forced labor, drugs' abuse, HIV/AIDS situations and human trafficking especially focused on women and children. Tickets can be reserved and purchased at Thai Ticket Master's distribution centers in Bangkok and on line.
Campaign to Raise Awareness on Drugs and HIV/AIDS: Klong Toey Community
To mark the international day against drugs, UNDCP joins with Duang Prateep Foundation in running a campaign to raise awareness of communities in the congested area of Klong Toey in Bangkok on drugs and HIV/AIDS. A "People Forum" to discuss, present and exchange information on drugs and HIV/AIDS among residents of Klong Toey and relevant organizations will be held on 22 June 2002 at Chumchon Muban Pattana School in Klong Toey. Exhibitions from various organizations on drugs and HIV/AIDS will be organized at the same school. In addition, parades and processions by residents of all 43 communities of Klong Toey are to be held on 23 June 2002. Community people are encouraged to use their own creative thinking for the forms of parades and campaigning materials. The parades will start from Tha Rua Police Station and end at the above school followed by music and Klong Toey children's performances.
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Drugs and HIV awareness evening at Ministry of Sound
In Thailand, there are an estimated 2 to 3 million drug users and the main drug of abuse is methamphetamine. A recent study among students in northern Thailand concluded that approximately 40 % of boys and 20 % of the girls have already used yaba (the local street name for methamphetamine) at least once before. The majority of those how engage in drug use do it on the week end as part of having a "good time". The study also confirms the relation between substance abuse and other risk behaviours. It recognizes the need for scaling up primary prevention of drug abuse, treatment and recovery programmes as well as more specific prevention messages for those who engage in such risky behaviours.
On the night of 26 June 2002 international day against drugs will be celebrated at the Ministry of Sound, one of Bangkok's most prestigious night clubs. The event is organized in collaboration with Population and Community Development Association (PDA) and private sponsors. The prevention message of the evening will focus on the dangers associated with drugs and the main immediate risks associated with recreational/casual substance abuse.