testBKK, APCOM’s flagship HIV testing campaign targeted to young gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok, has released the first and only chemsex-oriented harm reduction interventions that is presented in Thai language and targeted to MSM population.

While the emerging gay communities may in urban cities in Thailand potentially reduce gay-related social stigma and enhance health information sharing, they can also predispose gay men to certain risk behaviours. One such example is the consumption of illicit drugs such as ecstasy, crystal methamphetamine (meth) and GHB. Often, these recreational drugs are consumed to enhance the pleasure of sexual activity, which is referred to as chemsex or high-fun (hi-fun).

A number of studies on chemsex show that gay men who reported being involved in substance use also reported avoiding use of condoms during intercourse which leads to increased sexual risk-taking, increased episodes of STIs and increased risk for HIV infection. Gay men living with HIV who engage in chemsex or drug use are at higher risk for missing ART doses and for developing HIV resistance. In addition, gay men who take part in chemsex are likely to face other physical drug-related issues such as insomnia, decreased resistance and weight loss as well as potential mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, psychosis and suicidal tendencies.

As a response to the chemsex situation among MSM in Thailand, testBKK has developed non-judgemental, non-coercive harm reduction information resources in Thai language in order to assist MSM who engage in chemsex and any other kind of illicit drug consumption in reducing drug-associated harm and to encourage them to access HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services. Read more via APCOM