Bangkok: The Ministry of Public Health has dispatched a relief team to the five southern border provinces to assist flood victims, with a focus on addressing mental health concerns. The initiative follows reports indicating high levels of stress and depression among affected residents. The relief effort has seen 33,081 individuals seek shelter across 407 locations.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Treechada Sritada, the political spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, noted that the flood situation in the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla, Satun, and Pattani is improving. The Ministry of Public Health in Health Region 12 has reported that water levels have stabilized, categorizing the situation as green level. Urgent measures have been taken to provide shelter, with Pattani accommodating 16,426 people across 240 shelters, Narathiwat housing 8,218 individuals in 76 shelters, Yala offering refuge to 9,899 people in 85 shelters, and Songkhla providing shelter for 538 people in 6 locations.
Ms.
Trichada further conveyed the concerns of Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, regarding the mental health challenges faced by the victims. The stress of family separations, risk of electric shocks, health issues, and loss of income have compounded the distress experienced by residents. In response, Mr. Somsak has directed Mr. Kittisak Aksornwong, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, to implement strategies to address and mitigate these issues.
The Department of Mental Health’s report highlighted the deployment of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (MCATT), a multidisciplinary unit offering psychological support. The team, consisting of 27 groups, has screened 4,745 individuals, identifying 31 at high risk for mental stress, 15 with depression, and 2 at risk of suicide. These individuals are receiving necessary interventions and referrals.
The short-term operational plan for December 4, 2024, involves the Songkhla Psychiatric Hospital MCATT team collaborating
with local health offices and Thepha Hospital’s mobile medical unit to provide mental health support in Songkhla Province. The initiative aims to monitor and support the mental well-being of those impacted through the Mental Health Check-In program.