Strengthening Capacity for Mental Health: Thailand and WHO Lead the Way with International Training Program

Thailand’s Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), launched the onsite phase of the 3rd International Mental Health Workforce Training Program at Srithanya Hospital on 30 June 2025. This initiative marks a significant step in Thailand’s commitment to enhancing global mental health systems through workforce development and international cooperation.

The training brought together over 30 participants from eleven countries, including representatives from ministries of health, academic institutions, individuals with lived experience, and frontline service providers. This diverse group reflects the program’s commitment to inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural learning.

Information brochure on the course shared broadly by DMH/Photo credit: DMH

Held from 16 June to 4 July 2025, the program equips mental health professionals across Asia with critical skills to promote mental well-being, prevent mental health conditions, and deliver evidence-based care. The curriculum features a 10-day online module followed by an immersive in-person session in Thailand, including the 23rd Annual International Mental Health Conference at ICON Siam and site visits to leading mental health institutions.

On 30 June, participants received a warm welcome from Dr. Mathurada Suwawnaphou, Director of Srithanya Hospital; Dr. Sirisak Thitidilokrat, Deputy Director-General of DMH; and Dr. Burin Suraaroonsamrit, Director of Mental Health Academic Affairs, who provided an overview of the course and its objectives.

Dr. Andrea Bruni, Regional Advisor on Mental Health at WHO SEARO, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health through a public health lens and fostering a stigma-free environment to ensure equitable access to care.

Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, in his remarks appreciated the country’s initiative, stating, “Thailand’s leadership in this field is exceptional—not only in advancing its own systems but in generously sharing its knowledge to help build a more connected and capable global mental health community.”

Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong, Director General of Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health awarded a token of appreciation to Dr Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand/ Photo credit: DMH

Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, honored the  event with his presence, highlighting the importance of investing in human resources and fostering collaboration among Member States.

The Director General congratulated the participants and presented their training certificates. He also recognized WHO’s contribution in the training course and awarded tokens of appreciation to Dr Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand; Dr Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist, WHO Thailand; and Dr Andrea Bruni, Regional Advisor on Mental Health, WHO SEARO.

Participants with officials from Department of Mental Health and World Health Organization/ Photo credit: DMH

Looking Ahead

Now in its third year, this training program exemplifies the power of strong partnerships. Developed through close collaboration between the Royal Thai Government and WHO at country, regional and global levels, the curriculum—crafted by Thai mental health experts and enriched by WHO’s global insights—continues to evolve to meet the region’s changing needs. It promotes a rights-based, culturally sensitive approach aligned with WHO’s mental health action plan and the WHO SEAR Member States’ Paro Declaration, which advocates universal access to people-centered mental health care.

Thailand’s Department of Mental Health aims to expand this initiative as part of a global hub for mental health learning and innovation. As mental health challenges grow in complexity and scale, programs like this are vital for building a resilient, skilled, and compassionate workforce dedicated to ensuring mental health is recognized, protected, and promoted for all.