PHUKET'S sex industry workers were more aware and better protected now against HIV/Aids - but the island's infection spread has changed to put the focus on adulterous liaisons.

Dr Wiwat Keetamanoch, Deputy Director of Phuket's Public Health Department, told Phuketwan that maids were now in a high-risk category on Phuket, along with a younger group of teenagers.

His interview marked World Aids Day today.

The maids were in danger because of husbands cheating on their wives, Dr Wiwat said. Wives and regular mistresses were equally at risk with philanderers, he said.

Professionals in the sex industry recognised the need for protection, but it was less evident when promiscuous husbands took advantage of women in well-to-do households.

He also expressed continuing concern about the lack of awareness in the hidden Phuket sex industry of karaokes and club lounges.

Sex tourists were better informed than most about the dangers, he said. ''Prostitution takes place everywhere,'' he said. ''The main thing is that local authorities support the concept of protection.

''Anyone who wants to have a check in secret for HIV/Aids should go to Vachira Hospital in Phuket City,'' he said. ''There is no stigma in coming forward to be checked. Details about identity are kept strictly confidential.''

More effort was needed by parents and teachers to explain to young teenagers the importance of protection before they began to discover the opposite sex and began experimenting, he said.

Dr Wiwat said that the number of sex tourists visiting Phuket appeared to be not increasing at the same rate as the total number of tourists.

He said this appeared to be the trend, based on the lack of a large number of sex workers coming to Phuket purely for the high season, as they once did.