Project overview

In recent months, Thailand has witnessed a notable increase in cases of monkeypox (mpox), with 822 individuals diagnosed between July 2022 and August 2024. This surge predominantly affects men, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), many of whom also live with HIV. The urgency of addressing this outbreak is underscored by Thailand’s approval of an mpox vaccination program, which commenced in March 2024 in Bangkok. This vaccine programme is however limited to one health service (Red Cross Anonymous Clinic) and is costly for the end user. Drawing from past experiences with HIV and the COVID-19 pandemic, the study emphasizes the necessity of situating (re)emerging infections within broader social contexts to effectively intervene while mitigating unintended consequences.

Despite the urgency, there is a dearth of qualitative research on mpox, particularly in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Existing studies highlight the critical need to understand sexual behavior changes and vaccination decisions among affected populations. This study seeks to fill these gaps by conducting a qualitative investigation to develop nuanced insights into the ongoing mpox outbreak in Thailand. Additionally, we aim to enhance research capacity by innovating rapid qualitative research methods and establishing a collaborative network across Europe, Africa, and Asia to address future (re)emerging infections.