At least one Thai commits suicide every two hours on average, according to statistics. In 2013 alone, as many as 3,900 Thais ended their own life over issues such as family problems, economic woes, and chronic illness.
Khon Kaen Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital director Dr Prapas Ukranan revealed these details yesterday to mark the upcoming World Suicide Prevention Day.
On September 10 every year, various organisations around the world observe the need to prevent people from taking their own life.
"In Thailand, between 10 and 12 people commit suicide each day on average," Prapas said.
The psychiatrist said the suicide rate was highest in the northern province of Lamphun and lowest in the southern province of Pattani. The youngest suicide victim was only 10 years old while the oldest was 105.
"From available statistics, more males than females have decided to take their own life," he said.
Prapas said more than half the people who committed suicide had lived relatively normal lives.
"Of all the people who took their own life, about 52 per cent committed suicide when some heartbreaking incident hit them at a crucial point of their life," he said.
He said alcohol consumption and exposure to gossip and humiliation were factors that could increase suicide risks.
A Thai suicide every two hours, doctor reveals - The Nation