File photo for reference only

 

An average of four individuals attempt suicide hourly in Thailand, with 5,126 deaths recorded last year, according to the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This alarming statistic was highlighted at the "Power to Live" event on September 5 at Bangkok's Samyan Mitrtown, in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. The event emphasized suicide trends, mental health support using AI, and personal recovery stories, reinforcing that "Every life has value, and help is always available."

 

Organized in partnership with the Thai Association for Suicide Prevention, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Psychiatric Association of Thailand, and the Samaritans of Thailand, the event sought to address the growing mental health crisis. Dr. Kittisak Agsornwong, DMH director-general, emphasized that effective suicide prevention requires a unified effort. He noted that World Health Organisation research indicates each suicide profoundly impacts at least six others, potentially leading to depression or suicidal thoughts among those individuals.

 

Dr. Kittisak highlighted the necessity for comprehensive support systems for both those experiencing crises and their loved ones. DMH deputy director-general Dr. Jumpot Promsida reported a suicide rate of 7.89 per 100,000 people last year. The majority of suicides occurred among working adults aged 20–59, with 3,635 deaths, followed by 1,345 seniors aged over 60. Teenagers accounted for 122 deaths, while 24 were among children aged 5–14. A concerning trend noted was the high suicide attempt rate among teenagers aged 15–19, reaching 136.4 per 100,000, the highest across all age groups.

 

In response to these findings, mental health experts and organizations stress enhanced awareness and better access to mental health resources. They advocate for policy implementation to support mental health initiatives and reduce stigma. Collaborative efforts across public sectors, NGOs, and communities are deemed essential in creating a supportive environment.

 

As the nation grapples with this pressing issue, attention is now focused on preventative strategies and resource expansion. Future initiatives will likely involve increased funding for mental health services, better crisis intervention systems through technology, and educational programs promoting mental well-being. The goal remains clear: significantly reducing suicide rates through dedicated and comprehensive community support.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand reports an average of 4 suicide attempts hourly, totaling 5,126 deaths last year.
• Increased suicide rates prompt calls for coordinated national support and intervention.
• Future strategies will focus on expanded mental health resources and public awareness.

 

Related Stories

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-17

 

 

Give them painless suicide pills. If people want to die let them.

6 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Give them painless suicide pills. If people want to die let them.

You’re such a humanitarian. . 

1 minute ago, TedG said:

You’re such a humanitarian. . 

Makes sense. Have a 6 month cooling off period. See a shrink. If still want to die give pill.

Weed is sure not helping matters...Heavy weed smoking can make people depressed...

There's some people out there with absolutely NOTHING, poor health, debilitated .... and they still SOLDIER ON.

 

A lot of brave people out there. 

 

 

Is that included the people who fall from balconies??

deleted

8 minutes ago, Lee65 said:

5126/365/24 = 0.6 suicides per hour, not the 4 claimed here.

 

Attempt ≠ Success

 

6 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

An average of four individuals attempt suicide hourly in Thailand, with 5,126 deaths recorded last year

 

365*24*4 = 35,040 attempts.

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Attempt ≠ Success

 

 

365*24*4 = 35,040 attempts.

 

Thanks.  I deleted my erroneous post.

What drives them to suicide? Debts, pressure from societal and family obligations?

 

My wives younger brother hung himself at 25. She said was very quiet and spent lots of time alone but they never knew more than that.

 

I really don't understand Thai men as I've only been intimate with the women but life seems pretty low stress for them but I have no idea what goes on under the surface.

6 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Give them painless suicide pills. If people want to die let them.

 

They do not.  The majority of suicide attempts are manifestations of mental illness or an emotional crisis. In some age groups, they are the result of social pressure and/or a cry for help. The most obvious group are in children age 17and under.

The low success rate of suicide attempts supports this position. Look at the data dump provided.35,000 suicide attempts of which 5100 are successful. That's a 14% success rate. 

 

If you want to dispense suicide pills go right ahead, but you have to accept the responsibility for helping a  bullied or molested child kill themself and you have to be there when they are dying.

6 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Give them painless suicide pills. If people want to die let them.

 

Is that what you did when your teens went through their first heartbreak and thought that life would never be the same? 

 

Here you go, daughter, I'll buy the rope and tie the noose so that your neck breaks and you don't have to suffocate whilst clawing at your neck.  I'll buy a tall enough ladder so that you drop the proper distance, too. 

 

Son, you know where the 12 gauge is. There's a box of slugs in the top drawer of my desk and the gun barrel has been cut so that someone your height doesn't mess it up and require me to care for a disfigured child for the rest of my life.

 

Yes, this is a ridiculous, hyperbolic response. Or is it? 

Murder + Corruption = Suicide ?

We all need help, obviously....

 

 

Seems to be a lot of heartless people on this forum; a sign of the times.

 

First question - what drives a person to commit suicide?   Many and varied reasons - find out what is driving people to suicide.

 

Second question - when you have the answers to the first question, what procedures can be put in place to prevent the "situations" arising.

 

Too much stress in the world these days; people not "taught" how to deal with stress and reduce stress.  Easy escapes - alcohol and other drugs, freely available from your "authorities"-approved supplier.

 

Do you have a future?  Corruption rules - you may have to pay money to get a job, or a promotion; it is not what you know, but who you know; the power elite control your future, but you have some choices - emigration is a good option, if you have enough money and a good degree.

 

Too many young Thais I have known over the decades had plans, had goals, etc., but too many of these were destroyed by the corrupt "system".

9 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

 

 

 

I really don't understand Thai men as I've only been intimate with the women but life seems pretty low stress for them but I have no idea what goes on under the surface.

 

Let's not forget the importance in Thai society of "Face" - or the loss thereof. 

Losing "face"  (as someone overtakes you) is probably responsible for many many accidents on the killing roads of Thailand...

18 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Seems to be a lot of heartless people on this forum; a sign of the times.

 

First question - what drives a person to commit suicide?   Many and varied reasons - find out what is driving people to suicide.

 

Second question - when you have the answers to the first question, what procedures can be put in place to prevent the "situations" arising.

 

Too much stress in the world these days; people not "taught" how to deal with stress and reduce stress.  Easy escapes - alcohol and other drugs, freely available from your "authorities"-approved supplier.

 

Do you have a future?  Corruption rules - you may have to pay money to get a job, or a promotion; it is not what you know, but who you know; the power elite control your future, but you have some choices - emigration is a good option, if you have enough money and a good degree.

 

Too many young Thais I have known over the decades had plans, had goals, etc., but too many of these were destroyed by the corrupt "system".

What's wrong with death? I was dead for 4bn years before no issues

 

Ricky Gervais

15 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Weed is sure not helping matters...Heavy weed smoking can make people depressed...

Just what I said, also closed down psychiatric wards world wide not just LOS, Very bad in new Zealand, they are sleeping under motorways P and ice and gunga,one of the main fuels 

Of course drugs and alcohol are in the mix.  Watching Thai culture and the pressure of supporting the family especially women and saving face seem to be stresses I see on Thai people.

12 hours ago, blazes said:

Let's not forget the importance in Thai society of "Face" - or the loss thereof. 

Losing "face"  (as someone overtakes you) is probably responsible for many many accidents on the killing roads of Thailand...

Yeah I can see that. They've basically embraced the ego at the core of their identity but egos are fragile and can be hurt easily.