Parliament’s historic step: Mental health challenges and budget priorities in Thailand

History was made in December when psychiatric issues were, for the first time, officially discussed in parliament, raising interest among the Thai people.

Sasima Phaibool, 38, who has bipolar disorder, said “I’m glad an MP raised psychiatric issues in parliament. It gives me hope that there’s someone advocating for us, making people more interested and aware of mental illness.”

“I’m glad someone with firsthand experience spoke about the issue, making those in power acknowledge it,” said Peerapong Sahawongcharoen, 54, who lives with schizophrenia.