Thailand’s first plan for mental health promotion

BANGKOK, April 21 (TNA) – The National Mental Health Commission has come up with the first national plan on mental health promotion to provide good care for mentally ill people. Chairing the commission’s meeting at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said the plan formulated for 20-year implementation would lead governmental and private organizations to cooperate on providing care for mentally ill people and creating public understanding on mental health problems and patients. The plan set for implementation between 2017 and 2036 will support activities to increase the intelligence and emotional intelligence of children, develop warm families, promote happiness among people, and reduce suicide. The plan was proposed to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board and should reach the cabinet in June, Gen Chatchai said. Relevant officials would be prepared for quick implementation once the plan won approval from the cabinet, he said. (TNA)