Beyond Coronavirus in Thailand

Despite the low number of coronavirus cases in Thailand, the country is riddled with what is known as the second public health pandemic, mental health. The suicide rate in Thailand at 14.4 for every 100,000 people is greater than the global average of 10.6 for every 100,000 people (Almendral, 2020). Many Thais credit this high number to high unemployment rates and a lack of financial infrastructure from the government. The Thai government has exacerbated the problem of high suicide rates with no solution in sight. A longitudinal study found that over the decade of 2005-2015, there was an average suicide rate of 6.4 for every 100,000 people (Chanagul, 2018). The suicide rate almost doubled in the span of a decade. In addition, many Thai experts are comparing this current recession to the 1997 recession in Thailand. In the previous recession, the country saw an initial gradual spike in suicides, but in the following two years, suicide cases peaked in Thailand (Almendral, 2020). Extrapolating from data observed in the past, the worst of the mental health crisis may persist and even exceed the duration of coronavirus. One effective form of community care is to increase the number of national suicide hotlines that operate 24/7. There is currently only one national suicide hotline, Samaritans of Thailand (“Suicide Prevention Resource Center”). The national suicide hotline does not operate 24/7 and operates from 12pm-10pm. The limited hours are not enough to combat the increase of suicides.

Like the American government, the Thai government in March promised a stimulus check of 5000 baht to be paid every three consecutive months. Unfortunately, only 16 million Thais have received the check by mid-May out of the 29 million that applied (Almendral, 2020). The stress of not having a stable financial income is apparent in the increase of suicides across the nation. The financial strain, isolation and uncertainty are compounding into more psychological distress. It is expected that the Thai economy is one of the hardest hit among the southeast Asian countries. With over 20% of the national GDP dependent on tourism and more tourists weary of traveling to Asia, many Thais are unable to go back to the job they held before coronavirus (Yuvejwattana, 2020). Another 30% of the GDP is greatly affected by the shutdown of manufacturing plants (Almendral, 2020). Almost 16.3 million Thais work in some form of manufacturing, whether it is in automobiles, plastics or computer parts. Since workers are inclose contact and quarters so this would be an ideal place for another outbreak to occur, the Thai government has restricted access to manufacturing factories. From just tourism and manufacturing alone, there are over 24 million Thais out of work with no active source of income. The strict lockdown coupled with the lack of financial infrastructure has caused many Thais to take drastic measures to end their life. Many economists believe that the current situation is emulating the 2008 crisis but at a much worse level. While the 2008 crisis was mainly a financial problem, the coronavirus is a financial, physical and mental health crisis. While it is hard for the Thai government to solve all the consequences of coronavirus, it is imperative for the Thai government to aid their citizens financially into the foreseeable future until are able to provide for themselves.