BANGKOK, 11 September 2015 – The Ministry of Public Health has disclosed that as many as 4,000 Thais commit suicide each year.
According to Public Health Minister Dr. Piyasakol Sakolsatayatorn, the majority of those who committ suicide usually spend most of their time online. Around 800,000 people worldwide take their own lives every year.
Dr. Piyasakol added that the number of suicide is likely to rise to 1.5 million in 5 years’s times. Out of 100,000 people, 6 people killed themselves in Thailand last year, with males outnumbering females by as many as three times.
The Minister said people who spend more time on the internet are more vulnerable to cyber bullies and often become depressed.
Meanwhile, Department of Mental Health Director General Dr. Jetsada Chokedamrongsook said people doing themselves in often showed some warning signs, including writing a note, sending a text or posting a warning message on social media prior to their deaths.
According to the statistics, it could take between an hour to one month, or 3 days in most cases, before they take their own lives after these warning signs. People are strongly advised to reach out to people who may appear to be suicidal instead of making fun of or daring them to do so.
