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Asia News Network
18-07-2025
- Health
- Asia News Network
Thai mental health crisis deepens amid shrinking population, finds report
July 18, 2025 BANGKOK – Thailand is facing a pressing public health crisis, with a new report highlighting a significant surge in mental health issues and a troubling decline in the nation's birth rate. The 'Thai Health Report 2025,' launched by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mahidol University on Thursday, reveals stark figures that serve as a critical warning for society. The report's findings on mental health are particularly concerning. It found that 13.4 million Thais have experienced mental health problems or psychiatric disorders. Alarmingly, the successful suicide rate in Thailand has continuously increased over the past decade, with a notable rise among youth aged 15-29. This demographic faces heightened stress, anxiety, depression, and a high risk of suicide, often attributed to academic pressures, the pervasive 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO) from social media, domestic violence, and intense societal expectations. In a poignant finding on positive mental health, the pre-elderly group (45-59 years old) reported the lowest levels of happiness, reflecting emotional vulnerability during this transitional life stage. While one-third of Thais possess high mental health literacy, misconceptions persist, such as the stigmatising view of suicide as a sign of weakness. Birth Rate Slump and Policy Concerns Beyond mental well-being, the report's special feature, 'Falling Birth Rates: How to Adjust and Cope, ' details that Thailand's birth rate has reached an all-time low. This demographic shift is primarily driven by socio-economic changes: the evolving roles of women, escalating living costs, a greater emphasis on work-life balance, and a younger generation's desire for independence, often viewing children as an overwhelming burden. This underscores an urgent need for Thai society to adapt and prepare for long-term consequences, focusing on quality of life for existing children, creating a supportive environment for youth, attracting skilled migrants, redefining 'elderly,' extending retirement age, and planning for a hyper-aged society. The report also identifies ten prominent health situations commanding public attention: Alcohol Law Amendments: Close monitoring of social and health impacts. E-cigarettes: An aggressive and growing health threat. Medical Cannabis: Ongoing policy confusion. Legalised Casinos: The report questions whether potential benefits outweigh the costs. 'The iCon' Pyramid Scheme: Lessons to prevent future victimization. Passenger Bus Accidents: Raising critical questions about safety standards. Northern Flood Management: Reducing disaster risks. Blackchin Tilapia: Managing invasive alien species. Industrial Waste & Hazardous Waste Management: The complexity of government measures. Life in Debt: A major and pervasive issue for Thai households. Call for Collaborative Action Dr Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, Manager of ThaiHealth, stressed the report's importance in providing crucial health data and fostering academic exchange. ThaiHealth hopes that government agencies will use the 'Thai Health Report 2025' to shape policies, track progress, and drive health promotion efforts that align with the current health realities facing Thais. The findings are intended to kickstart 'social communication' that leads to impactful public policies, ultimately fostering improved well-being for all citizens.
Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Beacon of hope in diabetes fight
Nestled in the heart of the Northeast, the small district of Phon Sawan may seem an unlikely battleground in the country's fight against chronic illness. But over the past two months, this quiet community has become a beacon of hope in a struggle against diabetes, a disease that is quietly costing the nation its health and a big share of its budget. At the centre of this transformation is a pilot programme known as the "Urban Primary Healthcare Project: Proactive Diabetes Prevention and Control," launched by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and a research team from Nakhon Phanom University. Its aim is as ambitious as it is urgent: to prevent diabetes at the community level, reduce dependence on medication, and ease the growing financial burden on the universal healthcare system. What began with just 62 volunteers in Ban Sao Lao, a four-village cluster in Phon Sawan district, is now being closely watched by public health experts across the country. Where change begins Inside Ban Sao Lao, change is happening one meal, one walk and one group chat at a time. "I didn't even realise sticky rice was a form of sugar," said Amnuay Suwanmajo, one of the participants. "Now, I eat more vegetables and lean meat, and I've lost several kilogrammes already." Mr Amnuay's story is far from unique. Among the 62 people enrolled in the project -- 50 at risk of diabetes and 10 already diagnosed -- clear signs of improvement emerged within just six weeks. Residents reported weight loss, lower body mass index, and, perhaps most significantly, a shift in attitude towards diet and exercise. Wimolrat Sahat, a 47-year-old farmer, joined not only for health reasons but for a touch of vanity. "I still want to look good," she laughed. "But more importantly, I don't want to end up like some neighbours who have diabetes and suffer serious complications." Indeed, the numbers are alarming. In this community, 60% of residents fall into risk groups for diabetes -- 20% already diagnosed and the rest at risk. The reasons are familiar across rural Thailand: diets heavy in sticky rice and sweet snacks, a lack of physical activity, and limited understanding of how food affects health. But thanks to a highly personalised support system, residents are now learning how to manage their bodies before it's too late. A team behind every step The engine behind this success is a multidisciplinary team drawn from Phon Sawan Hospital. Instead of focusing solely on treatment, they're reimagining healthcare as a partnership between professionals and villagers. Each week, participants join community-based activities guided by dietitians, physiotherapists, sports scientists and even psychologists -- helping people not just lose weight, but gain strength, confidence, and understanding. "The goal isn't just weight loss," said Asst Prof Benjayamas Pilayon, Assistant Dean for Educational Quality Assurance of Nakhon Phanom University, one of the project's lead researchers. "We're looking at building muscle, improving mental health and changing how people live. That's where real prevention begins." To keep participants motivated, the team set up a Line group where villagers share daily updates -- what they ate, how they exercised, how they felt. There's even friendly competition: whose body fat dropped, whose muscle mass increased? Still, there are challenges. "Some people struggle to afford protein-rich food like meat," said Kwanyuen Kamonruean, a nurse at the hospital. "And others don't like being told what to eat. So we focus on education and encouragement, not rules." That approach is working. Even sceptics are starting to see results on their weighing scales and in their medical charts, she said. The cost of doing nothing What's happening in Ban Sao Lao isn't just a feel-good story -- it's a financial strategy. Assoc Prof Dr Soranit Siltharm, a board member of ThaiHealth, said diabetes is one of the country's most expensive and deadly chronic conditions. From 1997 to 2020, the prevalence of diabetes in Thailand doubled from 4.8% to 9.5%. Factoring in modern diagnostic methods, actual rates could be as high as 11%. Under the universal healthcare scheme, also known as the gold card scheme, diabetes treatment is consuming an ever-growing share of the budget. In fiscal year 2026, the scheme's total budget rose to 272 billion baht, with more than 204 billion allocated for per capita payments. That's an average of 4,298 baht per person per year, covering more than 47 million Thais. But despite budget increases, more than 84% still goes to treatment, not prevention. "Diabetes isn't just about sugar," said Dr Soranit. "It's about kidneys, blindness, amputations. These complications are devastating, but also preventable, if we act early and wisely." That's why ThaiHealth and public health officials are closely monitoring the Nakhon Phanom model. If the project can be scaled nationally, the savings could be massive, not just in baht, but in lives spared and suffering avoided. A path forward At Phon Sawan Hospital, head nurse Patcharaporn Kavansu explains how the hospital adapted its diabetes clinic into a proactive prevention unit. Inspired by ThaiHealth's approach, they integrated multiple disciplines and redesigned care around lifestyle, not just medical prescriptions. "We've always treated diabetes," Ms Patcharaporn said. "But now we're preventing it. And the community feels seen, heard and supported." Each week, residents gather at a communal activity space where their progress is measured -- weight, muscle mass and glucose levels -- and menus reviewed. Experts provide hands-on guidance, helping participants plan meals that are healthy, affordable, and culturally familiar. But as Ms Patcharaporn notes, the model's true strength lies in trust. "Villagers trust us because we show up. We walk with them, eat with them, and listen to them. That makes all the difference." And it's not just about individuals. Families are changing how they cook. Local vendors are adapting what they sell. Neighbours are encouraging each other. What started as a health initiative has become a movement. Still, the road ahead is long. The pilot will continue in Phon Sawan until 2026, with hopes to expand to other districts. But its message is clear: prevention works, and it pays. In a country where healthcare budgets are being stretched to their limit and chronic diseases are on the rise, the Nakhon Phanom model offers more than a health solution. It offers a national strategy rooted in local strength. And as Thailand looks for sustainable ways to care for its people, a small rural village may have already found the answer.
Bangkok Post
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Bangkok Post
Battling the big apps
In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an application called Tam Sang Tam Song (On Demand Delivery) was launched by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation in collaboration with the Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University. The app was developed to assist motorbike taxi drivers and local restaurants through economic difficulties caused by lockdowns. As a pilot app, it was tested in Ladprao Soi 101 in Bangkok, Betong and Yala and received positive feedback. Because of the pandemic, people turned to mobile platforms for food delivery and ride hailing services. This change significantly affected the income of motorbike taxi drivers. Chalerm Changthongmadun, head of the Motorbike Taxi Association of Thailand, revealed that from their usual earnings of 600 baht to 700 baht per day, it became difficult for motorbike taxi drivers to make even 500 baht a day. People raised the question that instead of complaining about reduced income why didn't motorbike taxi drivers (wins) join mobile platforms. Chalerm explained that there are regulations that specify their operating area. Win motorbike taxi drivers cannot pick up passengers outside their designated zone. On the other hand, motorbike drivers using ride hailing apps can be matched with passengers from any area. Though Win drivers feel that it is unfair, they do not want to break the law. "I feel that the law does not protect us during a time when we cannot earn as much as we used to in the past. There are over 100,000 motorbike taxi drivers in Bangkok, but there was no tool that enabled passengers to connect with us. Before this, people had to walk to the Win to take a motorbike taxi, but now, they do not need to. Thus, we hope to have our own platform that can directly reach passengers and/or customers," said Chalerm. The Thai Health Promotion Foundation revealed that according to a 2023 survey of 400 motorbike taxi drivers in 50 districts in Bangkok, 89.3% of drivers had not signed up with ride hailing services because they experienced inconvenience using apps. They also experienced complicated application processes and extra expenses such as commissions and application fees. As a result, Tam Sang Tam Song is an alternative for Win motorbike taxi riders. In collaboration with Akkanut Wantanasombut, a researcher at the Institute of Asian Studies of Chulalongkorn University, a pilot of the Tam Sang Tam Song app was developed by students at Chulalongkorn University. The team later received support from students at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. After testing the app, which currently provides a food delivery service via its own platform as well as on the Line messaging app, the team also launched a ride hailing service called Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai (How much was your usual fare?). In order to create a friendly user platform, the team decided to launch it on the Line app. Both apps provide services in 19 locations nationwide from Sam Yan to Yala via Bang Kruay Nonthaburi and Betong. Santi Patiphanrat, president of the Public Electric Motorcycle Taxi Association said that many mobile platforms had reduced prices to attract passengers to the point where earning a living has become unrealistic. The Public Electric Motorcycle Taxi Association also urged the government to launch a state platform to help motorbike taxis, but it was never realised. "Now, the Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai platform has officially been launched. I hope these two platforms can reach communities, so motorbike taxi drivers can earn more income." In general, mobile ride hailing and food delivery platforms are popular because they are convenient, offer users the ability to know the fare in advance and offer users the function of tracking their ride/order in real time. However, since these mobile apps charge commission fees up to 30%, using the apps can be expensive. Fortunately, there is no charge for using Tam Sang Tam Song and Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai. Motorbike taxi drivers can apply to these two apps free of any application charges. For the Tam Sang Tam Song app, motorbike taxi drivers, restaurants and users have to co-contribute to the estimated fee which is about six baht per order. This fee is lower than other mobile app commission fees. Restaurants which use Tam Sang Tam Song's food delivery service can sell dishes at prices close to the prices at their restaurant. However, users still have to pay the delivery fee. Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai's fare is calculated according to the Ministry of Transport regulations. For example, the fare for the first two kilometres must not exceed 25 baht. Each additional kilometre, but within five kilometres, must not exceed five baht. "When a user submits a request for a ride, mobile ride hailing apps will initially select motorbike drivers who have a good driver rating. To be fair to drivers, Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai will select the driver who has been in queue the longest first. If the driver refuses the request, the platform will select the next driver in queue." The concept of these two apps is excellent because they benefit all parties -- motorbike taxi drivers, restaurants and passengers. However, only 300 motorbike taxi riders have applied to these two platforms. This means not many motorbikes are available. The platform developers claimed that their services are available in 19 locations nationwide, but there is no list of exact locations available, not even on Due to limited financial and manpower, Akkanut, the project leader, admitted that they cannot wait until the platform is 100% complete, but they will continue to develop it. During the launch, a driver suggested that there should be a customer inquiry service centre since they are not familiar with the platform. He said during this early period, there should be human communication instead of bots to respond to any requests or questions. Akkanut responded that he is the person handling all questions and requests, but other drivers have suggested that there should be volunteers from all districts to help out. "We do not aim to compete with other platforms, but we offer an alternative to people. I hope that more motorbike taxi drivers will apply to the platforms. When we tested them in certain areas which did not have drivers available, users who had a bad experience never came back. Moreover, it is possible that these users will post negative feedback on social platforms," said Akkanut.
Time Out
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Could these new delivery apps change the game for Bangkok's small businesses?
Sure, we all lean heavily on those delivery apps – they're a daily fixture for many in Bangkok. But the app boom has been a double-edged sword for the local motorcycle taxi drivers and neighbourhood food vendors who aren't plugged into the big platforms. Now, an initiative is trying to address this. Two new platforms, 'Nong Khoei Maa Tao Rue' (which loosely translates to 'How much did you pay for your last ride?') and 'Taam Sang-Taam Song' ('Order & Deliver'), have entered the scene. The aim is to provide an alternative route for these drivers and small community vendors to access the digital marketplace and, hopefully, find more stable footing. A key part of their approach? They were reportedly co-designed with actual motorcycle taxi drivers, shop owners and community food sellers to try and make them straightforward. Users can access them via a dedicated mobile app or, for those less keen on navigating new app interfaces, a Line Chat Bot. The main pitch for drivers is a zero commission fee structure – a notable difference from some established players. The platforms also use an algorithm intended to prioritise the nearest available driver in a queuing system, aiming for fairer job distribution. For local eateries and shops, this model also means no hefty commission fees are deducted from their earnings. Instead, it operates on a co-contribution system where the restaurant, the rider and the customer each contribute a small amount, reportedly around B5-B6 per order. The idea is to make participation more financially viable for small-scale operations. The overarching goal is to offer these local community members a more accessible entry into the digital economy, one that doesn't squeeze their margins too tightly. Whether these platforms can truly level the playing field and gain significant traction against the giants of the delivery world remains to be seen, but it's a noteworthy attempt to address a clear imbalance. This initiative comes from a collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). They're currently active in 19 communities across the country, with stated plans to expand into 10 more areas by 2025. It's an interesting development, and one to watch if you're keen on seeing how local communities adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape.
