Thread: Rayong suicides up due to downturn in economy

RAYONG
Downturn in the economy driving more to suicide
Apiradee Treerutkuarkul

The economic problems plaguing the country have caused an increase in the number of suicides in Rayong, prompting mental health experts to focus on suicide prevention in the area.

Mental Health Department deputy director-general Apichai Mongkol said yesterday the problems in the eastern province were "worrying", and were partly due to the economic downturn which had affected workers on industrial estates in Rayong.

"Most people found committing suicide had moved from some other provinces to work at large-scale industrial estates in Rayong. When these workers had problems, for example being laid off, they did not have families living close by to talk to and this added to their chances of attempting suicide," he said.

Dr Apichai did not disclose the suicide rate in the province but said the department was closely monitoring the situation and studying other factors involved which had led to an increase in suicides there.

Despite the problems in Rayong, the suicide rate in general has dropped following a prevention campaign. A total of 3,612 people committed suicide last year. The proportion of people committing suicide stood at 5.7 per every 100,000 last year, down from 8.6 in 1999.

The highest suicide rate was in the five upper northern provinces of Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao and Mae Hong Son. In those provinces, the ratio is as high as 12 suicides in every 100,000 people. The lowest suicide rate is in Narathiwat.

Most people aged between 30-39 who killed themselves were mentally ill. They suffered from major depression and factors such as political and economic problems also played a role.

More than 36,000 Thais tried to commit suicide in 2006 but only 10% were successful, said department director-general Somchai Chakrabhandu.

According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is among the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the third highest cause of death among the global population between the ages of 15-35.

"More than one million people commit suicide every year. The number is even more than those who die in wars," said department spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin.

He said love and understanding from families and friends are key factors that help people tackle their problems and abandon their suicide attempts.

Counselling is another option for those who cannot turn to their family members.

The Samaritans of Thailand provides free telephone counselling for people with family and other problems to try to prevent suicides.

Bangkok Post