Health Update: Health Update: Thai psychiatrist shortage is 10x below global average as mental health cases soar – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
Critical Shortage of Psychiatrists
Data from the “Thai Health” page highlights a structural gap in care.
While the global average is 13 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, Thailand has only 1.3 per 100,000, nearly 10 times lower than the global average.
In comparison, Switzerland has over 40, Sweden nearly 20, and Japan more than 12 per 100,000.
This shortage results in long wait times and limited access, especially outside major urban centres.
Accessibility Gap: 89% Left Untreated
Despite increased awareness, 89% of Thais did not access mental health services in the past 12 months. Only 8.2% received formal care.
Due to system barriers, 4.9% of the population turned to alternative sources such as traditional healers or monks.
Paweena Srimanothip, CEO of Bangkok Mental Health Hospital (BMHH), noted that anxiety and depression are the most prevalent conditions.
She emphasised that depression affects all ages, revealing that the youngest patient treated at BMHH was only 9 years old.
The rise in cases among people in their 20s, the nation’s primary workforce, is particularly concerning.
“BMHH recognises the importance of caring for and treating patients with depression because if left untreated, these patients may commit suicide. Therefore, patients with depression must receive evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care even after recovery.”