The Thai people are coping well with their grief one month after the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol, according to the Department of Mental Health.
Director-general Boonruang Triruanworawat said that Thais' mental health has adjusted in line with the psychological mechanism of grieving.
The media and the public have tried to transform their grief to the power to do good deeds and to follow in the footsteps of the late King, and in doing so are helping people to develop mental strength, he said yesterday.
Sqn Ldr Boonruang was speaking as he observed first aid units stationed around Sanam Luang, where mourners queued to pay homage to the King's body lying in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.
Staff providing mental health services have been dispatched by the Public Health Ministry to help mourners at Sanam Luang since Oct 14, one day after the passing of His Majesty.
In that time, 2% of people seeking help were found to have suffered mental disorders, with a notable incidence of schizophrenia. Many lacked the necessary medicine to help them with their illnesses.
About 1% were at risk of committing suicide, Sqn Ldr Boonruang said, adding that most of them suffered major depressive disorders from personal stress involving family and economic problems.
All had undergone mental care before being sent for full treatment, he said.
"First aid mental care mobile vehicles are available and this can help people relieve their stress," said Sqn Ldr Boonruang.
Psychiatrists and social welfare workers are examining people with equipment and provide counselling.
Those who were found to have been under substantial stress will be sent for further treatment.
Meanwhile, the Culture Ministry will distribute two books in connection with the late King at the National Museum in Bangkok tomorrow. The first concerns his past work and profile, while the second features his remarks and guidance.
