The Public Health Ministry reports a severe shortage of psychiatrists with just 845 specialists nationwide, impacting mental health services. This equates to 1.28 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, significantly below the WHO's recommended 10 per 100,000. In response, the ministry prioritizes expanding psychiatric training to address this urgent issue.
Get today's headlines by email 
The cabinet has approved a five-year plan (2023–2030) to improve the mental health system, aiming to train about 30 psychiatrists annually. This initiative seeks to increase the ratio to 1.7 per 100,000. During a recent meeting, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat emphasized collaboration between hospitals and the Department of Mental Health (DoMH) to enhance training capabilities.
Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, DoMH director-general, highlighted that 13.4 million Thais face mental health challenges, with 2.9 million receiving services in 2023. Depression has increased by 1.7 times since 2015, especially among youth aged 18–24, with a suicide rate of 7.94 per 100,000.
The country's current output of 83 psychiatrists per year is hampered by limited teaching staff and heavy professional demands. The DoMH aims to address this by expanding residency training between 2027 and 2028, aiming to add 82 new psychiatrists, including specialists in child and adolescent psychiatry. Hospitals will collaborate as co-training institutes to address the critical demand for mental health professionals, reported Bangkok Post.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 06 Mar 2026