Shortage of psychiatrists bodes ill for mental health(Photo: 123RF)The country is grappling with a critical shortage of psychiatrists, with fewer than 900 specialists now working nationwide, according to the Public Health Ministry. Current figures show the country only has 845 psychiatrists, equivalent to 1.28 per 100,000 population and far below the World Health Organization's standard of 10 per 100,000. Hospitals under the Office of the Permanent Secretary will collaborate with the Department of Mental Health (DoMH) to serve as training institutes, with inspectors and service plan leaders supporting hospital selection. The cabinet has already endorsed a five-year development plan (2023–2030) to strengthen the mental health system, targeting a production of about 30 psychiatrists annually, raising the ratio to 1.7 per 100,000 population. DoMH director-general Dr Kittisak Aksornwong reported that around 13.4 million Thais have experienced mental health problems, with 2.9 million patients seeking services in 2023.

Source: Bangkok Post March 06, 2026 17:30 UTC