Strengthening Suicide Prevention in Thailand with LIVE LIFE

Every year, more than 720,000 lives are lost to suicide—each one a tragedy that ripples through families, communities, and nations. For every life lost due to suicide, there are an estimated 20 attempts. Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and in 2021, it was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally. Alarmingly, 73% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.

As the world marks World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, Thailand is stepping up with bold, compassionate action in line with the WHO LIVE LIFE package for suicide prevention. Between 2017 and 2022, Thailand saw a 32% increase in suicide mortality. In 2023 alone, over 31,000 suicide attempts were recorded. These numbers underscore the urgent need for more coordinated evidence-based interventions.

LIVE LIFE: A Strategic Partnership for Prevention

Thailand’s Department of Mental Health under the Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization, has launched a project  in 2023 on  “Strengthening Suicidal Surveillance in Thailand (SSS) and LIVE LIFE Implementation Project. The three primary sources of suicide data that are managed by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Interior  are supported for integration to provide the most accurate data as basis for decision-making and targeted interventions. 

As part of this project, a nationwide survey was conducted by the Ministry of Public Health involving over 7,000 at-risk people and over 11,000 caregivers and relatives. The results revealed that while people are generally aware of where to seek help for suicidal thoughts, there are concerns that media content related to suicide risks exacerbating suicidal behavior. Major risk factors identified in the survey include relationship issues, economic problems, and family conflicts.

In 2024, Thailand began implementing the full LIVE LIFE suicide prevention package, aligned with the National Suicide Prevention Action Plan. 

The WHO LIVE LIFE framework promotes four key strategies:

• Limiting access to means of suicide
• Promoting responsible media reporting
• Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents
• Early identification, assessment, management, and follow-up of individuals affected by suicidal behaviors

These strategies are being tailored to Thailand’s unique context through innovative and inclusive approaches. At the end of the Phase 2 of this project, significant strides have been achieved: 

• 300+ students in high-risk schools have received life skills training
• 120+ first responders and rescuers have been trained under the HOPE Task Force—a pioneering network that uses social media influencers to identify individuals at risk and connect them to counseling or emergency services.
• The HOPE Task Force involves the Department of Mental Health, the Royal Thai Police, social media influencers, and local volunteers in identifying and responding to online expressions of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• Media professionals are actively engaged to ensure responsible reporting on suicide using the newly developed guidelines.

Changing the Narrative, Saving Lives

Thailand’s efforts contribute to global health goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, which aims to reduce suicide mortality by one-third by 2030.

The country’s approach reflects the true spirit of World Suicide Prevention Day—bringing together sectors, communities, and individuals to protect vulnerable populations and prevent suicide. Through evidence-based strategies and multi-sectoral collaboration, the country is making meaningful strides toward a healthier, more compassionate future in a gentle society.