Thai AIDS Patients' Pop Group Disbands After Members Die

HIV-Band, a Thai pop group composed of AIDS patients, has disbanded after eight years of performing. The group, whose Western style songs offered encouragement to AIDS patients, continued performing by replacing members who died with other patients. Some 60 people with AIDS performed in the band through the years. But following the recent deaths of four members and the serious illness of two others, HIV-Band is calling it quits. "The band has not performed in two months. I am the only one on his feet. It would take some time to train newcomers to replace my old colleagues," said current leader Sawong Wanchahem. The band was headquartered in Lopburi province at the Phrabath Namphu temple, which also operates a hospice for AIDS patients.

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