Bangkok (VNA) – Nearly 10 million individuals in Thailand are grappling with mental health issues, with almost 11% of the population at risk of suicide, according to the its National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Secretary-General of NESDC, Danucha Pichayanan warned the situation of mental health issues in Thai society. He revealed that there is a continuous rise in psychiatric patients, from 1.3 million in 2015 to 2.9 million in 2023.
Despite Thailand officially having 2.9 million patients who received medical treatment last year, the actual number of those with mental health issues may reach up to 10 million, as many people don’t seek treatment, he said.
The NESDC also identified that increased economic and social pressures have led to higher rates of depression and anxiety. In 2023, anxiety and depression surpassed methamphetamine and other substance abuse as the top mental health issues.
A study by Mahidol University found that seven in ten people in Bangkok experience burnout at work./.
