In addition to these factors, there is the fact that those at greatest risk have lacked political power. the history of stds in Thailand, at least until very recently, has been characterized by and accent on unsympathetic and often harsh treatment of their victims, and the direction of blame, as well as measure to control the disease, towards women, particularly prostitutes. These groups have had little opportunity to have a say in the provision of service or the other measures which would improve their position. Thus, in the past, as now, very little has been done either to provide for treatment and rehabilitation of sufferers or to address the fundamental social and economic circumstances which continue to encourage women and men to place their live at risk