Bangkok: The Deputy Minister of Public Health visited the Or Tor Kor Market and led the MCTT team to provide mental health support to vendors and those affected. The investigation is currently underway to determine the mental health of the perpetrator.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaichana Dejdecho, Deputy Minister of Public Health, led a team from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Health Department, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health of the Ministry of Public Health, to the Or Tor Kor Market area to monitor the situation and offer support to those affected by the July 28 shooting incident, which resulted in six deaths, as well as injuries and residents in the area who remain in a state of panic.
Mr. Chaichana revealed that the Ministry of Public Health is providing psychological support to the families of the deceased, the injured, vendors, market operators, and the general public who were present at the incident. Initial assistance is being provided, including discussions, counseling, and stress assessments in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Health Office. The Ministry prioritizes psychological healing as much as physical treatment to ensure a speedy return to good mental health.
Regarding the injured, who are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital, discussions have been held with the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Director-General of the Department of Medical Services to determine whether they can be transferred to a government hospital for further treatment to reduce costs and provide ongoing assistance.
The question of whether the perpetrator who shot the security guard had a history of mental illness is currently under investigation. Regarding the mental health screening of firearms license applicants, the Ministry of Interior currently undertakes criminal background checks and license issuance. However, the issue of mental health is a sensitive one, as applicants at that time may have normal mental health. However, mental health can change over time. People living normal lives may experience mental illness without realizing it or be afraid to tell anyone. High-risk individuals in stressful environments or those using drugs require specialized care from a psychiatrist or psychologist.
He also emphasized the Department of Mental Health’s new approach to improving access to services. He also prepared to develop an application for people who suspect they may have a mental illness. This will allow them to request consultations and receive basic care online, allowing for faster treatment and reducing the embarrassment of seeing a doctor in person. He emphasized that mental health is not a distant issue. Mental health care is a crucial issue, and a system must be created to make it easily accessible for everyone and allow them to feel safe seeking help.