Funding priorities for the HIV / AIDS crisis in Thailand.

Since July 1997 the economic crisis in Thailand triggered by a currency devaluation has placed severe constraints on public financing including public health and HIV/AIDS programs. This paper introduces the conceptual framework of interrelated consequences of the economic crisis on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. On the basis of document research and in-depth interviews with officials at national and provincial levels the authors explain how the Government of Thailand has dealt with AIDS epidemic during the period of economic hardship. Moreover the paper describes how program managers at national and provincial levels have responded to budget cuts and discusses the impact the cuts may have on the effectiveness of programs. It is noted that the state of government finance and agreements with the International Monetary Fund have led to many policy adjustments and budget amendments.