Democrat Party MP Karndee Leopairote has made a strong appeal to the Thai government for enhanced mental health support for young people. During a parliamentary meeting, she addressed rising depression and self-harm rates among Thai youth, highlighting recent tragic incidents of suicide among young acquaintances. Karndee, speaking both as an MP and mother, underscored the need for immediate and systemic intervention in mental health policies.
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Karndee called on Thailand's ministers of public health, education, and higher education to improve frontline mental health support, declaring the issue a structural crisis. Despite existing policies by the Department of Mental Health, she noted that implementation has been lacking. Data presented by Karndee revealed that 26.9% of individuals aged 18–24 experience depression, while 17.6% of secondary students have contemplated suicide.
Addressing contributing factors, Karndee cited educational, social media, and economic pressures as central issues. She proposed three key measures: ensuring quick implementation of mental health policies, increasing funding and personnel for mental health services in educational institutions, and combating social stigma associated with mental health issues. Coinciding with Mind Month in Thailand, she urged ministries to accelerate actions addressing youth mental health.
Moreover, the Department of Mental Health is expanding the Hope Task Force network to better support individuals at risk of suicide, responding to the escalating suicide attempt rates. This initiative aims to strengthen the nationwide support system and underscores the urgency of the crisis.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 07 Mar 2026
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