Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short

Thailand’s workplaces are failing to provide vital psychological help for employees grappling with stress, depression, and other mental health issues, campaigners warn.

As the world marked Mental Health Day 2024 yesterday, October 10, Thai advocates are raising alarms over the country’s mental health crisis in offices, where employees struggle with burnout, fear, and stigma.

The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s theme, Mental Health at Work, calls for global action to create safer, healthier workplaces. Yet in Thailand, the message is barely heard. Mental health advocate Amornthep Sachamuneewongse, founder of the Sati App, claims, “Thailand is largely unaware of psychological safety, let alone providing it.”

A 37 year old office worker, who asked not to be named, shared his own painful experience:

“I was criticised for being lazy when I needed time off due to my deteriorating mental health.”

Eventually forced to resign, he is now supported by his family but feels workplaces offer little understanding.

Research by Chulalongkorn University’s Dr Jennifer Chavanovanich shows that 42.7% of employees face mental health struggles, with 27.5% continuing to work out of fear for their jobs.

“Our 2023 survey showed that nearly half of employees want better healthcare welfare.”

Despite some efforts, Thai companies often miss the mark.

“Instead of addressing psychological safety, they offer online consultations.”

Amornthep stressed the need for deeper solutions. Bangkok ranks 5th globally for overwork, with 70% of employees facing burnout, triggering depression and stress.

The mental health crisis extends beyond the workplace, with Thailand’s psychiatrist-to-population ratio being nearly eight times lower than the WHO’s recommendation. The government and healthcare system are struggling to keep pace, leaving many to suffer in silence.

If companies embraced psychological safety protocols, people could work happily, Amornthep urged. However, until this changes, Thailand’s employees remain trapped in a mental health minefield, reported Thai PBS World.

In related news, 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 National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Additionally, around 16% of the population experiences regular stress.