Recently, Mahasarakham University faced turmoil after a post in a Facebook group called “Freshmen MMS 69” by a user claiming to be “Deer,” a second-year accounting student. She warned 15 men she had been intimate with to get tested for HIV after she unexpectedly tested positive.
University’s Response
As the news spread across the university, a faculty member from the Faculty of Medicine confirmed that “Deer” does not exist and that the information is false, damaging the university’s reputation. The university is preparing to file a complaint against those who impersonated the university and spread false information.
Investigation of the Facebook Group
Investigations revealed that the Facebook group was created by an external party with no affiliation to the university.
Public Health Concerns
The incident has raised significant public health concerns, particularly regarding the rising rates of HIV among young people aged 20-25 in Thailand. Experts, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Opas Puthjaroen from Chulalongkorn Hospital, emphasized that there are ongoing issues with HIV prevention in the country. Many individuals lack knowledge about effective prevention methods, mistakenly believing that using condoms alone is sufficient. Additionally, factors such as drug use can increase sexual urges, further complicating the situation.
Call for Awareness and Education
In light of the potential outbreak in Mahasarakham, it is crucial to promote awareness and education about safe sex practices among students. If individuals suspect they may have been exposed to HIV, they should seek medical attention promptly.
Facebook Group Update
The Facebook group in question has since changed its name from “Freshmen MMS 69” to “Freshmen 69,” and it currently has over 250,000 members. Most posts in the group are related to selling items or seeking transportation services.