Aaron is HIV positive. He is open about his status and always tells his partners before they have sex. Some of Aaron’s partners will use PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) in order to prevent themselves from contracting HIV, should they choose not to wear condoms.
One of them is Tom.
Tom met Aaron through a friend and they hit it off right away. After Aaron told Tom that he is HIV positive, Tom did his research and found out about PrEP. He later called a local clinic to set up an appointment with a doctor. He got tested for HIV and after it was confirmed to be negative, he began his PrEP regimen.
What is PrEP? Is it safe to use? How can we get PrEP in Chiang Mai? In this article, we will discuss this game-changer in HIV prevention strategies.
Table of Contents
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. People who are not living with HIV may take PrEP as prescribed to prevent themselves from getting HIV when engaging in risky behaviors, such as sex without condoms or injection drug use.
By definition, “pre” means “before”. In this case, before exposure or a situation in which HIV enters someone’s body. Prophylaxis itself means prevention of disease.
When taken as prescribed, PrEP is especially effective in reducing the risk of getting HIV, by 90 percent for those who are at a higher risk of contracting HIV. By taking PrEP, you can ensure that your body will have enough protection to prevent contracting HIV.
Who should take PrEP?
In general, PrEP is for anybody at risk of contracting HIV, no matter what their sexual orientations are. This includes anybody who is in a relationship with a person living with HIV, anybody with multiple partners, anybody who does not use condoms regularly, and anybody who shares injection drug or hormone equipment.
- Someone whose partner is HIV-positive
- Someone with multiple partners
- Someone who prefers to have sex without condoms
- Someone who injecting drugs and/or sharing needles
- Someone who has just had a sexually transmitted infection
- Someone who is a sex worker
- Someone who has taken PEP or post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV after a possible exposure more than once in the past 12 months
Please bear in mind that PrEP can only protect you from HIV and not from other sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. In order to protect yourself from other sexually transmitted infections, condoms remain the better option. Combining PrEP and condoms will guarantee a sure-fire protection from HIV and any other sexually transmitted infections.
Is PrEP available in Chiang Mai?
In 2017, the Thai Public Health Ministry introduced PrEP as part of the government’s strategy in tackling HIV in Thailand. Accessible for locals and foreigners alike, PrEP is relatively affordable with prices ranging from THB900 to THB1100.

In 2018, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to introduce PrEP treatment, making it available for both locals and foreigners.
As a matter of fact, many people who are living with HIV in neighboring countries within the region, such as those in Indonesia, will either travel to Thailand to purchase PrEP or have it delivered to their home country.
At HUGSA Medical Chiang Mai, PrEP starts from THB900 for a one month supply.
For PrEP, we provide Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, sold under the brand name Truvada, Tenof Em, and TenoEM
How do I start PrEP in Chiang Mai?
When Tom decided to start PrEP, he looked for a medical clinic in Chiang Mai that provides PrEP and he discovered HUGSA Medical. He decided to give them a call and make an appointment with one of the doctors.
“They speak great English and they were totally respectful,”
said Tom.
“They are also very professional. I can tell them my stories without the fear of being judged.”
Tom added that following consultation with the doctor, he went on to get an HIV test as well as liver and kidney examinations. He started PrEP as prescribed soon after and said that it has been effective in preventing him from contracting HIV and his status remains negative to this day.
“No side effects at all for me,” he added.
Is PrEP effective?
According to research, PrEP is likely to reach a level of protection in the body against HIV after seven consecutive days of taking the medication. It is important to note that PrEP is highly effective as long as you should take it daily as prescribed.
Generally, there are no serious side effects from taking PrEP. Some people may experience minor side effects such as nausea but they usually disappear over time. Women who are pregnant can also safely use Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine), which is the type of PrEP that is available at HUGSA Medical.
At HUGSA Medical, if you do experience any persistent side effects, our healthcare providers will guide you on how to best tackle them.
It should be noted, however, that PrEP is not a vaccine for HIV. PrEP will only guard you from HIV as long as you are taking it and once you stop, so does the protection.
It is highly recommended to get a blood test every 3 months following a PrEP regimen to ensure that your HIV status remains negative, and the best course of action if not.
Contact Us Here
Our Numbers
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Or add Line id @hugsaclinic
Open Daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Our Address:
77/7 Kochasan Road Chang Khlan Sub-district
Mueang Chiangmai Thailand 50100
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Website: https://cmmedicalclinic.com
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Email Address: hugsamedical@gmail.com