Original Story

Condom hand-out scheme for inmates in crowded Thai jails 
 
Source: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Date: Friday, July 16, 2004
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 13:08:57 +0200 (METDST) 

BANGKOK, July 15 (AFP) - Thailand's prison system will distribute free condoms to 
inmates to try to reduce the spread of HIV infection among prisoners, a minister 
said Thursday. Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanjana said 100,000 condoms would be 
given to inmates in more than 100 prisons across the country. 

He said the extent of HIV infection among prisoners was not clear as no 
blood tests had been carried out. About 260,000 inmates are being held in Thailand's
overcrowded prison system, some 7,000 more than when Pongthep's predecessor announced
two years ago that the jails were pushing maximum capacity. 

Thailand is hosting the 15th International AIDS Conference that has drawn 17,000
scientists, activists, politicians, campaigners and people living with HIV/AIDS 
to the capital Bangkok.

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