It says it employs a "strict" screening process of blood donated to the blood bank. Blood given by homosexuals and people admitting to a culture of unprotected sex "in certain countries" will be checked rigorously for the life-threatening virus.

The society admits virus carriers "frequently" donate blood.

Its blood-bank director Dr Soisa-ang Phikulsod says as well as "observation" screening of homosexual, transsexual and transgender donors, the centre will add a question to its written form. That will ask donors if they engage in unprotected sex with either gender. The form already asks if donors engage in same-sex intercourse.

Risk factor

The question has not been asked previously because the society agreed with activist groups that is was unfair and discriminated against gay men.

Soisa-ang says donors in this country must meet standards set by the World Health Organisation.

These include a minimum weight of 45 kilograms, no chronic diseases and no body piercing or tattoos a year prior to giving blood.

"Homosexuality is now a risk factor that we have to add," she said.

Gay rights activist Nathee Theerarojjanaphong thinks the new conditions are "acceptable" and says anyone that engages in unprotected sex should not give blood.

Transgender beauty queen Krirkkong Suanyos, Miss Alcazar 2005, says he accepts the no-gays or transgender restriction on blood donations. But he says screening needs to be stricter.

"Many gay men hide it well but also many are not at risk of catching HIV/Aids," he says.

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