ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the triangular relationship between multinationals, poverty and HIV/AIDS prevalence in north-east Thailand. It outlines Thai attempts to align the goals of seemingly disparate, self-interested groups, including multinationals and non-governmental organisations (NGO), and highlights the links between market forces, labour issues and social responsibility. The chapter assesses the relationship between economic development and HIV/AIDS, in particular the question of whether development will stabilise or reduce rates of HIV/AIDS infection. It also outlines the potential role of multinationals in community development, particularly rural job creation, which reduces the adverse economic and social conditions leading to HIV infection. Assessing the contribution of poverty alleviation to reducing HIV infection is a new research area. While business programmes might not always be undertaken with the view of promoting human rights, NGO initiatives in north-east Thailand demonstrate a particularly interesting development in the evolving fight against poverty and HIV infection.