Govt urges end to HIV testing at workplaces

The Labour Ministry is asking businesses to avoid testing job seekers for HIV/Aids as a part of its bid to end discriminatory practices in the workplace, according to the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DPLW).

The department said that up to 30% of people living with HIV/Aids have reported experiencing discrimination by employers due to their status — both during the recruitment process and while being employed.

In response to the figures, Labour Minister, Suchart Chomklin on Tuesday issued a ministerial announcement, urging employers to eliminate discriminatory practices against job-seekers who have been diagnosed with Aids.

According to the Foundation for Aids Rights (FAR), based on figures released by the Department of Disease Control, there are about 470,000 individuals living with HIV/Aids in Thailand.

Individuals with HIV/Aids have equal rights…