The HIV-1 subtype E that is common in Thailand looks to be more deadly then the once in other part of the world. This is according to ScienceDaily.com that has made a study since 1991 including 228 men from the military.
They where compared with people living in Europe, North America and in Africa. The study did not include viral medicines because they where not available at that time.
Now with the viral drugs people can live similar times and it is more difficult to measure since the people in Europe and America have more advance medicines then the HIV victims living in Africa or Thailand.