A Journey from Stigma to Progress

By
Suttha Supanya, MD, FRCPsychT
|
November 10, 2024
5 min
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Discussions surrounding mental health are entering mainstream conversations, and we are grateful for this shift. Despite years of misinformation and misrepresentation, the term 'mental health' is beginning to shed its stigma. Unlike the way we prioritise physical fitness, the mental and psychological aspects are often overlooked, either due to cultural reasons or because of a lack of understanding of mental illness and its treatment. Another challenge arises from the stigma linked to it, potentially deterring individuals from seeking help. It is time these aspects receive the attention and care they deserve.

The origins of mental health awareness in Thailand can be traced back over a century to the establishment of its first psychiatric hospital in 1889. It was not until the early 2000s that the government earnestly invested in mental healthcare. However, despite this progress, a pervasive stigma persists, with outdated beliefs associating mental illness with weakness or laziness.

Thailand has achieved remarkable success in attaining near-universal healthcare coverage including mental healthcare, despite facing certain shortcomings. Mental health services are provided by the public sector through hospitals and community health centres, but they are often overburdened and understaffed. The private sector also offers mental health services at a considerably higher cost.

The Social Security Scheme (SSS) and the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS) extend coverage to government employees and their dependents. The Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) covers the remaining population, funded by general taxation and premiums paid by individuals and employers. This comprehensive coverage includes services ranging from preventive and curative care to rehabilitation and mental health support.

The UCS has successfully reduced financial barriers to healthcare in Thailand. The number of people without health insurance has decreased from 25 percent in 2001 to less than 1 percent today.

Despite progress, several challenges persist in achieving universal health coverage. One challenge is the high cost of healthcare as the government faces increasing pressure to contain costs. Additionally, enhancing the quality of services in public hospitals remains a critical priority. Another unresolved challenge is ensuring that mental healthcare is incorporated into insurance coverage, extending this support even to those already covered by insurance.

Tremendous effort is being put into improving mental healthcare across the country. The government is investing in research and training, and many non-governmental organisations are also raising awareness and providing significant support. These collective efforts indicate a positive direction, offering hope for a more supportive, understanding, and transformative environment for mental health in Thailand.

Thailand has achieved remarkable success in attaining near-universal healthcare coverage including mental healthcare, despite facing certain shortcomings. Mental health services are provided by the public sector through hospitals and community health centres, but they are often overburdened and understaffed. The private sector also offers mental health services at a considerably higher cost..

Articles by

Suttha Supanya, MD, FRCPsychT
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