Mfriend’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Care in Isaan

Mfriend Foundation Stands for Equality at UdonThani Pride 2025

On June 21, 2025, at the vibrant UdonThani Pride 2025 celebration in northeastern Thailand, Mr. Chatchaphong Chasito, representative of the Mfriend Foundation, delivered a powerful speech calling for equal access to health services for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or identity.

“Because good health is a right that everyone deserves,” he declared, “Mfriend Foundation will continue to be a safe space for sexual health services for everyone.”

This message was more than a statement — it was a clear and compassionate call to action for inclusive healthcare in Thailand, especially in rural regions where LGBTQ+ services are often limited or stigmatized.

Health is a Human Right — No Exceptions

Founded in 2006, Mfriend Foundation has spent nearly two decades working to prevent HIV, support people living with HIV, and provide holistic sexual health services — particularly for key populations, including transgender women, men who have sex with men (MSM), and sex workers. In his address, Mr. Chatchaphong emphasized:

“We believe that health is a human right. No one should be left behind, regardless of their identity, gender, or profession.”

This guiding principle shapes every aspect of the foundation’s mission — delivering respectful, compassionate, and non-discriminatory services to all.

Inclusive and Community-Based Sexual Health Services

Operating in provinces like Udon Thani and Nong Bua Lamphu, Mfriend Foundation offers a wide range of comprehensive services through its clinics and outreach programs:

• Rapid HIV and syphilis testing, with results in just 1 hour
• Linkage to care and treatment at public hospitals and health facilities
• Access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
• Sexual health counseling, including STI prevention, mental health, and healthy relationships
• Free condoms and lubricants for safer sex practices

The foundation’s clinics are not just places to get tested — they are safe spaces that welcome, support, and affirm the identities of those often excluded from mainstream healthcare.

A Safe Space That’s Truly Safe

Mfriend Foundation goes beyond providing clinical care. They work to train healthcare professionals and sensitize service providers across hospitals and community centers to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are treated with dignity.

Their facilities offer:

• Stigma-free environments
• Respectful communication
• Staff trained in gender diversity and rights
• Confidential and judgment-free services

As Mr. Chatchaphong stated:

“We don’t just offer a ‘service,’ we uphold the idea that ‘every life is valuable."

“We Are Worthy” — A Message of Pride and Resilience

Under the powerful theme of “We Are Valuable” for this year’s Pride, the Mfriend Foundation encouraged all stakeholders — from government to healthcare providers — to recognize that:

“We all deserve access to quality health services, regardless of who we are or whom we love.”

The foundation is not only a healthcare provider, but a social movement working to normalize inclusive health in Thai society. Their approach bridges the gap between healthcare and human rights — a vital message for communities long denied their basic dignity.

Pride in Isaan: A New Chapter for Equality

UdonThani Pride 2025 marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in Thailand’s northeast. The presence of the Mfriend Foundation at the event reflects a growing commitment to regional empowerment, community-based advocacy, and access to equitable healthcare. In many ways, the foundation’s role at Pride was not just symbolic — it was practical. By offering on-site health consultations, free STI screenings, and educational materials, they put their mission into action. This is not just progress — it’s proof that rural regions can lead the way in building inclusive, people-centered systems of care.

Conclusion: A Thailand Where No One Is Left Behind The work of the Mfriend Foundation reminds us that health equity is not a dream — it’s a daily practice. At UdonThani Pride 2025, they reminded everyone that LGBTQ+ rights include the right to health, to dignity, and to life. Their closing message says it all:

“Because good health is a right for everyone, not just a privilege for some — Mfriend Foundation will always be a safe space for sexual health services for all.”

In a world where exclusion still exists, organizations like Mfriend offer not just services, but hope — a vision of a Thailand where no one is denied their right to be healthy, seen, and supported.