Public officials, educators and health professionals in Pattaya marked World AIDS Day with a parade and a push to cut the number of AIDS cases, deaths and discrimination to zero.
Every year the World Health Organization designates Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day with this year’s theme again being “Getting to Zero.” Organizers promoted a message of reducing the number of new HIV infections, AIDS deaths and stigmas associated with carrying the disease.
Mr Condom himself, Mechai Viravaidya marches in the parade with students from his new Mechai Pattana School & Kelly Lifelong Learning Center at the Birds & Bees Resort in Pattaya. <http://mechaifoundation.org/school_birdsbees.asp>
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome led a march of hundreds of people from 20 organizations from Royal Garden Plaza to Pattaya School No. 8, complete with a colorful procession of floats and fancy dresses.
The mayor and Public Health Department Director Supaporn Cherdchaipoom also emceed the World AIDS Day ceremony at the school.
The event also featured stage performances, music and a “Thai Youths Far from AIDS” contest and exhibition.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and BB recording artist Note Mahasajan hand out condoms during the parade.
Women from Banglamung Red Cross take part in the AIDS campaign parade.
Painted women-of-the-second category pass out condoms.
Here, take one; they’re free and may save you from contracting HIV.
The school marching band keeps the rhythm for the marchers in the parade.
Condom mascots dance their way down Beach Road.
Students from Pattaya School No. 7 parade their anti-AIDS message on World AIDS Day.
