In Thailand, the young population is living under the threat of getting HIV infected one way or the other. The main goal of this study is to understand the geographic patterns of HIV/AIDS in Chiang Rai, a northern province with the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS in Thailand. A related goal is to examine the impact of the disease on the lives of Thai youth and young adults living with HIV/AIDS.

The lack of geographic study in Thailand has not only hindered theory development about the spread of the epidemic, but has also led to uncertainties in the design of intervention policies and the implementation of healthcare in Thailand. In this dissertation, spatial analysis is used to understand the patterns of HIV/AIDS mortality and HIV/AIDS cumulative incidence rates among youth. In addition, the experience of youth living with HIV/AIDS is analyzed to understand their feelings/concerns and health care perceptions, and to identify areas that are in need of further intervention by healthcare groups.

This dissertation provides an understanding of various aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and conditions of people living with HIV/AIDS in Chiang Rai. Given the cluster concentration and cumulative incidence rate in many areas of the province, the municipal region remains a high risk area that needs further investigation. The experience of youth with HIV/AIDS reveals uninformed reckless behavior and social discrimination. The understanding from this dissertation is critical for program planning and resource mobilization given the limited budget of Thailand to identify areas of high risk and to provide improved health care services to PLWHA.