Skyrocketing Mental Health Issues in Thailand Unveiled
The Thai Health Report 2025, a comprehensive study compiled by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research, has been released, shedding light on the critical mental health challenges faced by the younger generation in Thailand.
The report highlights a deepening mental health crisis that coincides with a declining birth rate in the country. A staggering 13.4 million Thais have reported experiencing mental health or psychiatric disorders, with the 15-29 age group being particularly vulnerable.
This age group faces a myriad of challenges, predominantly involving high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of suicide. Factors contributing to these issues are academic pressures, the pervasive influence of social media, domestic violence, intense societal expectations, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Additionally, drug use and related violence are also linked to mental health problems, particularly among younger people under 20.
The report points out that although one-third of the population has high mental health literacy, stigma and misconceptions about suicide as a weakness remain widespread, hampering effective response.
Government and public health actors have recognized the urgency of these issues. In 2025, the Ministry of Public Health underscored mental health on the national agenda with campaigns such as ‘Mind Month’ and international conferences focusing on strategies to mitigate stress, depression, and violence among the population, particularly youth.
The Thai Health Report 2025 is divided into four sections, including mental health and major public health issues. It identifies 10 major health issues for 2025, including the social and health impacts of proposed alcohol law amendments, dangers from e-cigarettes, confusion surrounding medical cannabis policy, and concerns over the possible legalization of casinos. The report also features a special discussion on the low birth rate in the country, attributed to economic and social changes.
Interestingly, the report also reveals that the pre-senior group (people aged 45-59) reported the lowest levels of happiness, according to the Thai Health Report 2025. This could be due to emotional vulnerability during transitions, as the report suggests.
Despite efforts to address low birth rates in other countries, the report finds these efforts to be ineffective. The Thai Health Report 2025 serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to address the mental health crisis and its contributing factors in Thailand.
- The Thai Health Report 2025, in its mental health section, draws attention to the significant correlation between rising mental health issues and the declining birth rate in Thailand, particularly among the 15-29 age group.
- In response to the growing mental health challenges in the country, the report recommends increased focus on health-and-wellness initiatives that specifically target mental health, such as campaigns like 'Mind Month' and strategies for reducing stress, depression, and violence, especially in the youth sector.
