On March 24, 2025, Krirk University’s Center for Social Promotion and Academic Services, in collaboration with the International College of England, jointly organized a special seminar on the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with the Division of AIDS and STIs under the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
The seminar was held in Conference Room 2300 at Krirk University. It aimed to raise students’ awareness of the current situation of sexually transmitted infections in Thailand, strengthen their understanding of personal protection, promote scientifically proven preventive measures, and foster international academic cooperation and exchange.
Dr. Suparata Kiartivich, Acting Director of the Center for Social Promotion and Academic Services, delivered the welcoming remarks and chaired the seminar, with graduate students Wang Qi and Song Qing assisting as co-hosts.
The seminar was conducted in three languages—Thai, English, and Chinese—to accommodate the diverse linguistic needs of students from different countries and regions.
Dr. John Walsh, Dean of the International College of England, delivered the opening remarks as the presiding chair of the ceremony. He emphasized the importance of providing sexual health education to university students, particularly international students. He also revealed that the college plans to introduce academic programs in Public Health and Health Sciences, creating opportunities for deeper collaboration with Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health in the future.
The seminar was delivered by Dr. Rassaporn Kittiyomalai, Director of Bannalai Medical Center and a specialist in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). She provided a detailed overview of STI trends in Thailand, highlighting a significant increase in syphilis cases in recent years, particularly among young people, a trend that warrants serious attention.
Regarding disease prevention and control, Dr. Rassaporn emphasized the following key measures:
Proper Condom Use: Effectively reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Regular Screening: Encouraging early detection and timely treatment.
Vaccination: Highlighting the role of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and genital warts, as well as the hepatitis B vaccine in reducing the risk of hepatitis B infection.
HIV Prevention: Promoting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to provide additional protection for individuals at increased risk.
Interactive Discussions: Enhancing Students’ Awareness of Sexual Health and Prevention
During the seminar, Dr. Wu Weiyi and Ms. Li Jiaqi provided Chinese students with summaries of the key points and facilitated interactive question-and-answer sessions with the expert, ensuring that students gained a deeper understanding of methods for preventing and controlling sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In addition, Dr. Rassaporn introduced the comprehensive healthcare services offered by Bannalai Medical Center, including STI screening, treatment, health consultations, and vaccinations. She emphasized the center’s commitment to providing friendly, confidential, and efficient healthcare services. She also warmly invited Krirk University faculty members and students to visit the center for educational purposes, further enhancing their awareness and understanding of sexual health.
The event received an enthusiastic response from faculty members and students, attracting more than 150 on-site participants and nearly 500 online viewers through the live broadcast. This strong participation demonstrated the high level of interest among young people in sexual health education.
The seminar not only enhanced students’ awareness of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control but also strengthened collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare organizations, laying a solid foundation for further international cooperation and exchange in the field of public health.
