Abstract
This chapter discusses the ways Thai people living with HIV/AIDS come to terms with their diagnosis and learn to manage their lives in the context of stigma and discrimination. The chapter draws on the results of two grounded theory studies which were conducted in the South and Northeast of Thailand, respectively. Data were gathered from 33 participants with HIV/AIDS in the South and 30 in the Northeast through in-depth interviews and participant observations. Interviews were tape-recorded and then transcribed verbatim.
Being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS resulted in the lives of most participants being “turned upside down.” In a society in which HIV/AIDS has been highly stigmatized, the diagnosis results in both a devalued self and the risk of “social disgust” from others in society. Both studies explored the processes by which participants used selective disclosure to reconnect with others for support, enabling them to find meaning in life, to understand and revalue themselves, to overcome their life crisis, and to live life as normal. For some participants, finding an ultimate meaning in life – consistent with Buddhist teaching – enabled them to obtain peace and harmony.
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Notes
- 1.
“Eyes closed” is a metaphor that is often used in the Thai context for people who die free from worry. Thai people often say that they will die with their eyes closed. By contrast, one who has worry will die with open eyes.
- 2.
Ahosikam means forgiveness or reconciliation. It occurs when people need to forgive someone who has hurt them or made them feel suffering. It is the way to let go the suffering.
- 3.
Living well and dying well. Living well means living life with happiness and not feeling scared to die. Dying well means they feel relaxed when death is coming because they have no, or less, agony in this life and also they prepare their property that is merit (good deeds) for the next life. These help the participants to live with HIV infection in peace, which is an ultimate purpose in life.
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Acknowledgements
This chapter is based on two doctoral theses conducted in Thailand under the field work supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Kanitta Nuntaboot, Assistant Professor Dr. Wipawee Kong-In, and Assistant Professor Dr. Kittikorn Nilmanat. We appreciatively acknowledge the willingness of participants to share their experiences. We also thank the nurses and health volunteers for their helpful assistance in accessing the participants.
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Balthip, Q., Boddy, J., Siriwatanamethanon, J. (2013). Achieving Harmony: Moving from Experiencing Social Disgust to Living with Harmony in People with HIV/AIDS in the Thai Context. In: Liamputtong, P. (eds) Stigma, Discrimination and Living with HIV/AIDS. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6324-1_21
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