Strategist shares HIV journey from Thailand at AIDS 2024

A 39 year old strategist working with Hiv-Sverige/HIV-Sweden, a national organisation dedicated to the welfare of people living with HIV, revealed he contracted the virus in Thailand in 2012. Emanuel Karlstrom expressed gratitude to the Thai Red Cross Society’s Anonymous Clinic for providing him with HIV medication and essential guidance on maintaining a healthy life while living with the virus.

The clinic’s staff were noted for their optimism and positive attitudes towards individuals living with HIV, said Karlstrom.

“I had a good experience living in Thailand as a person living with HIV. I got good HIV treatment for years after I contracted HIV.”

Karlstrom spoke about his experiences at the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) in Munich, Germany, which concludes today. He was there to present the work of his organisation.

Initially arriving in Thailand to work in Sing Buri in 2012, Karlstrom later left the job to pursue further studies at Bangkok University, spending half of his seven years in the country as a student.

“It was 12 years ago, and I was just 27 years old at that time. I was studying for a bachelor’s degree in hotel and tourism management. I was like most students who had a good time and enjoyed having a life.”

Sexually transmitted diseases

Karlstrom discovered his HIV status after an unusual experience at a gym in Bangkok, where he felt unusually fatigued after using a rowing machine. Suspecting something was wrong, he sought a check-up at Thep Tharin Hospital, which included screening for sexually transmitted diseases. The diagnosis was a shock.

“I don’t know how I contracted it. From who? It was not something I had thought about before. It was like a black hole opening when you get that news, and there was no counselling. There was no follow-up process or anything.”

Worried about the official record of his diagnosis, he feared potential repercussions, such as the school finding out or government involvement, which added to his stress.

Despite the shock, Karlstrom found some comfort in the friendliness of Thai people. However, he grappled with numerous concerns, particularly about potentially passing the virus to others, including his girlfriend at the time. Fortunately, his girlfriend tested negative and provided him with moral support.

“She comforted me. If I hadn’t had her at the time to comfort me, I don’t know whether I would have killed myself.”

Initially, Karlstrom feared having sex, worried he might spread the virus, and had many questions about the disease due to a lack of education on the topic. His girlfriend helped him find the Thai Red Cross Society’s Anonymous Clinic, where he received advice on HIV medication and treatment.

HIV stigma

It took him about four years to inform his family about his condition, a challenging moment due to the stigma associated with the disease. His parents, however, responded with comfort and support.

Karlstrom’s current girlfriend, who he has been with for about three years, is from Kanchanaburi. Confident in his knowledge about HIV/AIDS, he assured her that with antiretroviral medication, he could not transmit the virus to her. They both got tested for HIV, and she tested negative.

“I was drinking, having the best time of my life, going out to hang out on Ekkamai Road, Ratchada Soi 4. I went to clubs at RCA. Of course, apart from that, I was having sex with someone who I did not know before.”

He spoke about the stigma faced by people living with HIV and the self-stigmatization many patients experience.

“Do not fear people living with HIV. They can’t harm you. These people are responsible. We have to take care of ourselves and our bodies. You should treat them fairly, and at the end of the day, we take care of each other. We love each other, just as my girlfriend does on an everyday basis.”

Karlstrom concluded by expressing his dedication to raising public awareness about HIV, aiming for a better societal understanding of the condition.

“I am glad to help raise public awareness about HIV so society can understand it better. It is just a matter of loving each other.”