HIV-disease in southern Thailand has reached epidemic proportions. The decl
ining Thai economy, coupled with social discrimination among people with th
e disease, has adversely affected individual, family and community krengjai
. Among Thai's, krengjai is used to describe social order, avoid personal c
onflict, and maintain harmony in relationships. Using the framework of stor
y, this narrative study explores the experiences of five individuals with H
IV-disease and their tenuous relationship with krengjai.