Thai Actress Amy Shares HPV Infection Journey, Urges Screening

Thai actress Amy Lyn Pratthum attended the launch of an HPV awareness campaign at Lumpini Park's Aerobic Court, Gate 4, sharing her personal experience of discovering HPV infection at age 25 and managing it for seven years before full recovery. She hopes her story will motivate people of all genders to recognize the importance of screening and vaccination against HPV, noting that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among Thai women. Amy revealed she has since changed her lifestyle, reducing alcohol consumption and being more selective about social events to maintain her health and energy for spending time with her grandchildren, who bring happiness and color to her family. She clarified she has no plans to have biological children, as she feels complete with her grandchildren, and her husband Si Siwaratana stated they plan to leave their estate to them.

Amy emphasized that contracting HPV once does not define someone as promiscuous, as a single sexual encounter carries infection risk for both men and women across all genders and sexual orientations. She encouraged everyone to undergo regular screening, noting that while condoms reduce risk, they do not provide 100 percent protection, and many people unknowingly carry the virus without symptoms. She also addressed the misconception that only women are affected, explaining that men can carry and transmit HPV without knowing. Amy confirmed that vaccination is possible even after infection, though efficacy may be reduced, and it can protect against other HPV strains. She disclosed that she was diagnosed at age 25 while newly dating her husband and chose to receive the vaccine in addition to monitoring, allowing both of them to understand the infection better and motivated her to share this knowledge with others.