Thailand strengthens mental health workforce through learning and collaboration

Through its annual International Mental Health Conference and the International Mental Health Workforce Training programme, Thailand’s Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health is helping mental health workers from many countries strengthen the care they provide in their communities.

Participants visit a multisensory room at Rajanukul Institute, which provides child and adolescent mental health services. Photo credit: Department of Mental Health

More than 1 billion people worldwide – around one in seven – are living with a mental health condition. Anxiety and depression are the second leading cause of long-term disability which impacts individuals, families, communities and health systems. In 2021, an estimated 727 000 people died by suicide. 

Yet many countries lack enough trained and supported workers to meet people’s mental health needs. WHO’s Mental Health Atlas 2024 reports a global median of just 13 mental health workers per 100 000 people, and only about one per 100 000 in low-income countries. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, more than three in four people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders do not receive the treatment they need. 

Closing this gap depends on a well-trained and supported workforce, including health and community workers who can bring quality, rights-based care closer to people and communities.

Learning across borders to strengthen mental health care

Thailand’s Department of Mental Health brings together health professionals, policymakers and community workers through two complementary initiatives: the International Mental Health Conference, now in its 25th edition, and the International Mental Health Workforce Training, organized with WHO and now in its fourth edition.

The 25th International Mental Health Conference: exploring innovation in mental health care during crises

Mr Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, and Mr Kittisak Aksornwong, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, opened the 25th International Mental Health Conference alongside Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand; Ken Legins, UNICEF Representative for Thailand; and Xiaoyan Qian, ILO and other senior officials of Ministry of Public Health. Photo credit: Department of Mental Health.

Held on 15–17 July 2026 under the theme “Innovative Mental Health Solutions for Global Crisis”, the conference brought together academics, practitioners and policymakers from Thailand and abroad.

Over three days, sessions explored how innovation can strengthen mental health care in times of crisis – from artificial intelligence and digital tools to new therapeutic approaches. Discussions also addressed trauma-informed responses and the mental health of children in an increasingly digital environment. A dedicated symposium on community mental health innovation enabled participants to exchange country experiences, while members of the workforce training cohort presented community mental health action plans for feedback.

The International Mental Health Workforce Training: turning knowledge into stronger services and support

Jointly organized by the Department of Mental Health and WHO, the fourth International Mental Health Workforce Training took place from 22 June to 17 July 2026. The programme aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills of mental health workers from South-East Asia and other participating countries, while facilitating exchange on Thailand’s experience.

The course combined three weeks of online learning with an in-person week in Thailand. From 13 to 17 July, 53 participants from 20 countries – psychologists, doctors, nurses, policymakers, and staff of nongovernmental and community organizations – came together for two days of study visits, followed by three days at the conference.

The online curriculum covered mental health policy and legislation, human rights, the organization of mental health services, common mental health conditions across the life course, suicide prevention, psychiatric medicines, screening and assessment, and community-based rehabilitation.

Sessions were led by clinicians and policy specialists from the Department of Mental Health and its institutes, together with technical experts from the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia and WHO Headquarters. The organizers review participants’ feedback and lessons from each cohort to inform the subsequent training programme.

Highlights from the fourth International Mental Health Workforce Training, 22 June–17 July 2026. The programme opened online with Dr Burin Suraaroonsamrit, Director, Bureau of Mental Health Academic Affairs, and Dr Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist, WHO Thailand. Dr Wee Mekwilai, Deputy Director, Department of Mental Health, and Dr Andrea Bruni, Regional Adviser for Mental Health, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, provided technical guidance and expertise along with Thai experts, academics and colleagues from WHO headquarters. Participants then took part in study visits and the 25th International Mental Health Conference in Thailand. Photo credit: Department of Mental Health

The study visits connected classroom learning with practice. At Srithanya Hospital, participants observed psychiatric services first-hand and met village health volunteers and community organizations involved in mental health outreach at grassroots level.

Participants tour the emergency department at Srithanya Hospital. Photo credit: Department of Mental Health, Thailand

At Rajanukul Institute, they learned about child and adolescent mental health services.

Participants of the fourth International Mental Health Workforce Training at the opening of the in-person week at Srithanya Hospital, Nonthaburi, with Dr Nichapa Sawasdikarnon, Deputy Director-General, Department of Mental Health; Dr Kitkawee Pono, Director, Srithanya Hospital; Dr Supasaek Virojanapa, Deputy Director, Srithanya Hospital; Dr Olivia Nieveras, WHO Thailand; and Dr Andrea Bruni, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. Photo credit: Department of Mental Health, Thailand

At Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry, they saw examples of technology being used in service delivery and learned  how the institute works with people with lived experience to support recovery, daily living and participation in the community.

A psychiatrist at Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry demonstrates how digital technology is used in treatment. Photo credit: Department of Mental Health

What participants will take forward

Participants reflected on how the training could inform their work in their home countries.

Sunika Joshi co-founded a mental health organization in Nepal, and she appreciated the opportunity to  observe people with mental health conditions engaged in meaningful work and daily activities in hospital and community settings.

It fundamentally shifted my perspective. I now see the immense value in integrating people into society according to their strengths and capacities. 

— Sunika Joshi, psychologist, Nepal

Niresh Vengetesamy, was most inspired by the hospital study visits. Back home, he plans to focus more on long-term rehabilitation and to advocate for recovery-oriented care in his community.

Seeing how a structured, multidisciplinary system enables individuals with complex diagnoses to regain function and live meaningful lives highlighted the power of systemic support.

— Niresh Vengetesamy, psychotherapist, Malaysia

From left: Sunika Joshi, Niresh Vengetesamy and Hasina Momotaz. Photo credit: Department of Mental Health

Hasina Momotaz, works at WHO Bangladesh and she plans to build stronger post-training follow-up and support to Bangladesh’s mental health workforce programmes.

Sustainable mental health workforce development must be embedded within broader health-system strengthening, rather than treated as a standalone capacity-building activity.

— Hasina Momotaz, National Professional Officer for Mental Health, WHO Bangladesh