Some gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men combine drugs with sex to enhance pleasure and intimacy. In Thailand, this practice is known as ‘hi-fun’ when it involves a drug called crystal methamphetamine, though men also combine sex with other drugs in different ways. While hi-fun can bring pleasure and connection, it can also lead to harms including mental health difficulties, problems with relationships and work, and increased risk of HIV and other infections. Thailand’s strict drug laws mean that men who engage in these practices face additional risks from police, including arrest and extortion.

Our earlier research developed the first local definition of hi-fun in Thailand, distinguishing it from other types of sexualised drug use such as sex at home  ‘homepas’ (underwear parties in private spaces which are strongly linked to the queer nightlife scene) and incidental sex with drugs. A literature review of existing research also revealed significant gaps in what we know about effective support for men engaged in sexualised drug use in Southeast Asia. Building on this foundation, the VIBES study aims to understand the different patterns of sexualised drug use among men who have sex with men in Thailand, how these patterns change over time, what harms men face, and what wider forces shape their experiences.

VIBES is an acronym derived from the full study title and reflects terminology used within GBMSM communities. VIBES also functions as the study’s multi-component research brand, supporting engagement and study recognition. VIBES-branded materials are used for engagement purposes and are not limited to study participants.

The study includes GBMSM aged 16 and above. This is because younger GBMSM who engage in sexualised drug use represent a group with intervention needs whose behaviour is poorly understood. Excluding this group would risk further marginalising an already underrepresented population in research. University College London is the project sponsor and has responsibility for study oversight as well as data management.

The study has two main parts. First, we will conduct a survey with men across Thailand, and follow them over time to identify any changes over time. We will use a statistical analysis technique called latent class analysis to identify distinct groups of men based on their patterns of drug use and sexual behaviour. This will help us understand who experiences which types of harms and what support services men prefer to address these. Second, we will conduct in-depth interviews and collect diary entries from men across these different groups. This will help us understand how broader forces—including globalisation, migration, inequality, criminalisation and the pursuit of pleasure—shape the lives and experiences of men who combine sex with drugs.

We will work closely with community organisations and men with lived experience throughout the study. Findings will be shared through academic publications, conferences, community events and short videos, with the goal of informing better support for men engaged in sexualised drug use in Thailand and the wider region.