Bangkok, Thailand – November 6-7, 2024
The Asia-Pacific Chemsex Symposium (APCS) 2024 is gearing up for its sixth edition in the bustling heart of Bangkok, Thailand. At the Novotel Sukhumvit 20. With the theme “Pleasures, Policies, and Possibilities,” this event has drawn the attention of healthcare professionals, community members, researchers, civil society organizations (CSOs), and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region, all converging for two days of comprehensive discussions on the critical issues surrounding Chemsex. APCS 2024 is co-hosted by the Institute for HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI, Thailand), Service Workers in Group (SWING, Thailand), the University of Malaya (Malaysia), and HIV Education and Research Taiwan (HEArT, Taiwan).
Since its first meeting in 2019, APCS has become a pivotal platform for addressing the complex and evolving challenges of Chemsex. An often-sensitive topic involving the use of drugs within sexual contexts. With a commitment to creating a culturally sensitive, safe, and inclusive environment, APCS has continually worked to facilitate dialogues, exchange insights, and foster collaborations. In the spirit of this goal, APCS 2024 is expected to provide a multidisciplinary approach to Chemsex issues, spotlighting key populations, advocating for harm reduction, and centering discussions on mental health and HIV/STI prevention.
Event Aims and Objectives
At its core, APCS 2024 has three main objectives
- Understanding Diverse Chemsex Practices and Drug Policies: This year’s symposium seeks to build an enhanced understanding of Chemsex patterns and the impact of regional drug policies and healthcare systems. With a people-centered and community-driven approach, APCS 2024 will examine the role of harm reduction services and explore models that can deliver Chemsex-related healthcare services effectively across Asia-Pacific.
- Encouraging Collaborative Networks: APCS 2024 provides a crucial networking space for healthcare professionals, CSOs, researchers, advocates, community members, and other regional stakeholders, allowing them to share experiences and collectively address the unique challenges of Chemsex in various Asia-Pacific contexts.
- Promoting Evidence-Based Harm Reduction and Community Wellbeing: With a strong focus on improving the mental and physical wellbeing of those involved in Chemsex practices, APCS will highlight innovative, evidence-based harm reduction strategies that align with the needs of Chemsex communities. The event emphasizes practical approaches for improving the quality of life and mental health for people engaging in Chemsex, tackling the stigma and challenges these communities face.
What to Expect at APCS 2024
This year’s agenda includes discussions on some of the most pressing topics around Chemsex
- Pleasures and Harm Reduction in Chemsex: Balancing the pleasurable aspects of Chemsex with comprehensive harm reduction strategies that safeguard participants’ wellbeing.
- Drug Policies in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific Region: Exploring policy trends and the latest updates in drug legislation, particularly Thailand’s recent moves to legalize and regulate marijuana, and the implications for harm reduction practices.
- Patterns of Drug Use in Chemsex: Investigating the prevalence of drug use in Chemsex settings, including local and regional drug-use trends, the social and psychological factors influencing these patterns, and how they impact mental health.
- Holistic Health Services for Key Populations (KPs): Considering the development of integrated health services that cater to the specific needs of key populations involved in Chemsex. These sessions will explore new models of care that support holistic health and encourage access to vital services without stigma or discrimination.
In the effort to tackle these complex issues. APCS 2024 promises interactive sessions and workshops designed to foster open dialogue, promote skill-sharing, and allow for an exchange of best practices. Among the event highlights are case studies from Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, and other Asia-Pacific nations, providing attendees with context-specific insights into the successes and challenges of implementing Chemsex care models in different regions.
Why APCS Matters: A Groundbreaking Forum for Change
APCS has consistently brought a pioneering approach to Chemsex discussions. Acting as a platform for amplifying community voices and bringing Chemsex issues into the spotlight. With representation from donor agencies, public health experts, advocates, and people with lived experience. The event is structured to address the unique healthcare and social support needs of Chemsex communities. Attendees can expect to engage with both practical applications and theoretical frameworks, fostering an understanding of how Chemsex intersects with mental health, community safety, and public health.
Dr. Nittaya Phanuphak, Executive Director of IHRI, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s event, saying, “APCS provides a vital space for those working with Chemsex communities to come together and identify solutions that are both realistic and compassionate. It’s an opportunity for us to create real, lasting impact in public health policies and community-led practices.”
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, November 6 – Thursday, November 7, 2024
- Location: Benjasiri Ballroom 1-3, 5th Floor, Novotel Sukhumvit 20, Bangkok, Thailand
As Chemsex continues to be a nuanced issue impacting communities across Asia-Pacific. APCS 2024 offers an invaluable chance to engage with its complexities and to work towards sustainable, inclusive solutions. This symposium is expected to foster knowledge exchange, bridge gaps between diverse groups, and inspire innovative strategies that promote safe and supportive environments for all involved in Chemsex.
Register now