Thailand preparing regional mental health plan
By English News



BANGKOK, July 29 - In collaboration with nine other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Thailand is preparing a plan to respond to mental health problems arising from natural disasters.

Public Health Vice Minister Dr Tienchai Tienthavorn opened a three-day national seminar on Going Through Mental Health Crises: Strengthening ASEAN Collaboration Today.

He said the seminar aims both to prepare responses as well as prevent mental health problems due to natural disasters and other critical situations through collaboration among the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to integrate their databases, lessons to be learned, risk communication and mental health rehabilitation.

The deputy minister said mental health teams will be formed at the regional level, focusing on post-crisis mental rehabilitation.

Mental Health Department director-general Dr Vachira Pengchan said in Thailand, mental health teams have been set up at district level to help local residents.

In 2012, the Thai people appeared to be happier than in 2011, according to a survey on the population's overall mental health. This was attributed to the the country's improved economic condition and political situation. However, natural disasters such as flooding, landslides and tsunamis are still issues of concern.

Trang in the South was recorded as Thailand's happiest province thanks to its environment, abundant natural resources and culture, followed by the North, the East, and the Northeast.

The Northeast registered the lowest index of happiness, attributed to poverty and work stress.

Dr Vachira said the suicide rate was highest in the northern region, including Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, with ten out of every 100,000 people committing suicide in 2012 due to social problems.

On the provincial level, Rayong has higher suicide rate with 12 persons out of every 100,000 persons killing themselves last year due to work stress and economic constraints.

The restive southern border provinces also have a high suicide rate due to violence in the areas.

Dr Vachira said the suicide rate should not exceed 6.5 persons for every 100,000 persons. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-07-29

Now there is a job for Chalerm, as he has just experienced a crisis he would be the perfect subject to test drive the plan.

Now there is a job for Chalerm, as he has just experienced a crisis he would be the perfect subject to test drive the plan.

A job for Chalerm?

More like now there will be a bed waiting for him, where he can get the help he needs so as to finally stop "baffling the nation".

How about a mental health plan which includes ongoing services and early detection and treatment before a crisis occurs, or services in rural areas where people considered to be "mentally ill" are imprisoned in cages?

This appears to be another publicity op for countries in the area to show the world that they are addressing a 'sexy' problem without addressing the every day situations which require basic mental health services.

Have the subject listen to one song by Justin Bieber. If he/she seems to even remotely enjoy the music, they have mental problems. fact.

What about doing something about all the homeless people with mental problems who bother people by begging on a daily basis, it might be nice if they could be taken off the streets and given food and shelter and medical attention and made into productive members of society....

This idea sounds crazy.