Deadly shooting sprees point to need for mental healthcare in Thai armed forces

[webfact]

 

During the past few years, Thailand has witnessed several shocking mass killings by lone shooters, something is never before seen in its history. Perpetrators of this deadly violence have hailed from military or police backgrounds, prompting a need to seriously address the mental health of people working in these armed forces.

 

Statistics show soldiers and police officers generally experience a higher level of stress than people working in other fields. They also tend to suffer a much higher risk of mental health issues.

 

“With access to weapons, they have a higher chance of committing suicides or attacking others as well,” said Dr Varoth Chotpitayasunondh, spokesman for the Mental Health Department.

 

He was speaking after a police inspector opened fire while at home in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district on March 14. Police surrounded the house overnight and began negotiating with the rogue officer, who continued to fire his gun from the house. A commando team raided the house the next day and the policeman was shot six times, dying from his wounds in hospital later the same day.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/deadly-shooting-sprees-point-to-need-for-mental-healthcare-in-thai-armed-forces/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-28

 

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[mikebell]

Why do we get a Thai 'expert' trotted out to say the bleedin' obvious?  This happens AFTER every major incident.  These statements are so simplistic I fear they are written by a sixteen year old studying for the police exam!

[BangkokReady]

Or stop conscripting youths then torturing them and treating them as slaves?

[Mr Meeseeks]

59 minutes ago, webfact said:

erpetrators of this deadly violence have hailed from military or police backgrounds, prompting a need to seriously address the mental health of people working in these armed forces.

And has this been done? Of course not. 

 

Can't have any of these nutters being told they are mad by a doctor or finding out their IQ is less than 80 as that would make them lose face.

[huangnon]

Quote

Perpetrators of this deadly violence have hailed from military or police backgrounds, prompting a need to seriously address the mental health of people working in these armed forces.

It's usually psychopathic traits like this that gets them promoted to the higher ranks..

[dinsdale]

Yes mental health is a serious issue but a spoilt manchild is down to society. Plenty of examples of this when a so called adult throws a baby tantrum, has a gun and kills or shoots to kill. No gun? Nevermind a knife will do. This is more than just a mental health issue. Even the PM Prayut has thrown tantrums.

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

During the past few years, Thailand has witnessed several shocking mass killings by lone shooters, something is never before seen in its history. Perpetrators of this deadly violence have hailed from military or police backgrounds, prompting a need to seriously address the mental health of people working in these armed forces.

Why just the armed forces.. the whole country is breaking under the strain of the last 8 years.

People use guns if thy have them, others use knives, garden implements or simply beat them to death.

Mental issues are common place but low down the priority risk in Thailand.

[RobU]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Statistics show soldiers and police officers generally experience a higher level of stress than people working in other fields

Senior Police officers are also much less likely to be suited for the job and the inherent  stress because they get the job by bribing rather than ability