Public Health Ministry: Almost 4,000 Thais commit suicide annually

BANGKOK, September 11 (TNA) - Thai Public Health Ministry reported that around 3,900 Thai nationals commit suicide annually, or approximately 1 person every two hours, while the Department of Mental Health (DMH) has warned social media users to be more careful before posting anything online, informing of the 4 don'ts and 3 dos, on the occasion of the World Suicide Prevention Day. Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsattayathorn, together with Director of Mental Health Department Dr Jetsada Chokdamrongsuk held a joint press on the occasion of the World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on every September 10. Both public health officials stressed that the society should become more aware of the suicide situation in the country and should implement measures that would help prevent suicides in the digital age. The public Health minister said suicide accounts for about 1.4 percent of the cause of death in the world's population or about 800,000 people every year, or about every 11.69 person in 100,000 people. The figure is estimated to increase to 1.5 people in 2020. Meanwhile, Thailand has the highest rate of suicide back in 2001, around 8.2 persons to every 100,000 people, and the statistics have been constantly decreasing. In 2010, the rate has declined to 6.08 persons to every 100,000 people, and although the figure is within the target set at no higher than 6.5 persons to every 100,000 people, around 3,900 Thais had succeeded in committing suicide every year, or around 1 person every 2 hours, with males three time more likely to take their own lives than females. In the mean time, the DMH would be providing assistance to two main groups at risk of committing suicide the most. The first include those with depression, mainly from suffering from chronic diseases, where the department would send out public health volunteers to screen local areas for people at risk in order to bring them in for treatment. Another group which has the tendency to take their own lives sporadically due mainly to outside factors, such as alcohol or family issues; these people would be provided proper consultation to help prevent thoughts of suicides. DMH also warned that there are signs before a person usually commits suicides, as most would leave their last words in the form of a letter or online, normally three days before they lose that last string. The department has came up with a list of 4 don'ts and 3 dos, so friends and families could also help in prevention someone to take their own life. The 4 don'ts include don't dare, don't mock or criticise, don't ignore, and don't forward emotional messages or picture. The 3 dos include saying something to help that person think twice on committing suicide, be there for that person, listening to their problems, and get help, either from someone close to the person or professional help via the 1323 hotline, which operates 24 hours daily. (TNA)