Suicide prevention in Thailand: A whole-of-society approach

In recent years, Thailand has seen a concerning rise in suicide rates, with a 32% increase in the suicide mortality rate from 2017 to 2022. The highest rates are observed among older individuals (aged 55 and above), while teenagers (15-19) have the highest rates of suicide attempts. In 2023, there were 31,402 suicide attempts in Thailand.

Recognizing the severity of this public health issue, the Thai government has prioritized a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to suicide prevention in its forthcoming national action plan, with a focus on strengthening the HOPE (Helper Of Psychiatric Emergency) Taskforce, a multi-stakeholder network dedicated to preventing suicide.

Evidence-based approach to developing the national suicide action plan

In 2024, the Department of Mental Health at the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with WHO, worked to strengthen its suicide surveillance system to inform the national suicide prevention action plan. A survey was also conducted to better understand suicide in Thailand.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Interior currently manage three primary sources of suicide data. Combining these data sources has provided the most accurate data, setting a strong precedent for continued integration. Major risk factors identified in the database include relationship issues, economic problems, and family conflicts.

A 2023 survey by the Ministry of Public Health involving over 7,000 at-risk persons and over 11,000 caregivers and relatives, revealed that while people are generally aware of where to seek help for suicidal thoughts, there are concerns that media content related to suicide risks exacerbating suicidal behaviour. 

The HOPE Taskforce was established in 2019. It represents a unique multi-stakeholder approach to crisis intervention. It involves the Department of Mental Health, the Royal Thai Police and social media influencers in identifying and responding to online expressions of suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

The Taskforce is activated through 24-hour online monitoring of digital activity. Social media influencers, as a gateway for help and support, will report suspected active suicidal cases to counseling psychologists under the Mental Health Hotline 1323. Counseling psychologists will provide an online crisis intervention via telephone mental health counseling if possible. If telephone contact fails, the psychologists will report the case to police for delivering on-site suicidal rescue. This intervention fosters coordination between the reporter (social media influencers), the online rescuer (counseling psychologist) and the on-site rescuer (police). As a result, it leads to more successful rescue efforts for individuals at risk of suicide.

Since its inception, the Hope Taskforce has provided successful interventions in over 600 cases. It was awarded Thailand Public Service Award in 2023 and has been implemented countrywide with local social media influencers.

At Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand

 

The future of suicide prevention in Thailand

In May 2024, the Ministry of Public Health along with WHO country, regional and HQ representatives held key stakeholder meetings in Bangkok to discuss future steps based on the data gathered. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to continued partnership in realizing a vision for a suicide-free nation.

By 2024, Thailand will develop a national suicide prevention plan extending to 2030. This plan is aligned with the evidence-based interventions outlined in WHO’s LIVE LIFE package for suicide prevention. Key components will include improved service access, risk assessment systems, evidence-based mental health treatments, connected care systems, means restriction, early identification and follow-up care, suicide prevention in schools, and responsible media reporting on suicide.

Many of these initiatives will be supported by the scaling up of the HOPE Taskforce and the expansion of its partners, further demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to a whole-of-society approach to suicide prevention.

 

Source: WHO's full article.