Thailand Institute for Mental Health Sustainability (TIMS)
2023-2024 Report
Towards mental health sustainability in Thailand.
The Thailand Institute for Mental Health Sustainability (TIMS) was founded in response to growing concerns about mental health in Thailand. Its establishment reflects a recognition by co-founders and supporters of the critical importance of mental well-being for the Thai population. This issue has become increasingly pressing due to external stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving social dynamics. Despite this growing need, current policies aimed at promoting sustainable mental health practices remain inadequate.
A key challenge facing Thailand is the shortage of mental health professionals capable of providing primary care and counseling services. This gap often results in individuals seeking mental health support being primarily treated with medication prescribed by psychiatrists. However, these specialized doctors are both scarce and predominantly located in urban centers, leading to overburdened practitioners unable to provide sufficient individual attention to patients.
Ultimately, the main goal of TIMS, along with the Bureau of Support for Health Risk Control of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), is to fundamentally reshape Thailand's mental health landscape. This ambitious goal seeks to foster an ecosystem conducive to long-term mental health sustainability, equipping Thai citizens with the psychological resilience necessary to navigate an uncertain future.
This report documents TIMS's founding rationale and first-year activities. It includes interviews with key figures such as founders, advisors, and team members. The document serves dual purposes: it's a communication tool and a record of TIMS's inaugural year. By outlining the organization's mission, challenges, and initial efforts, it provides a snapshot of TIMS's early journey in promoting mental health sustainability in Thailand.
Ultimately, the main goal of TIMS, along with the Bureau of Support for Health Risk Control of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), is to fundamentally reshape Thailand's mental health landscape. This ambitious goal seeks to foster an ecosystem conducive to long-term mental health sustainability, equipping Thai citizens with the psychological resilience necessary to navigate an uncertain future.
This report documents TIMS's founding rationale and first-year activities. It includes interviews with key figures such as founders, advisors, and team members. The document serves dual purposes: it's a communication tool and a record of TIMS's inaugural year. By outlining the organization's mission, challenges, and initial efforts, it provides a snapshot of TIMS's early journey in promoting mental health sustainability in Thailand.
Photographer: Ploypetch Namjad
Photographer: Tanot Chindanonda
Client : Thailand Institute for Mental Health Sustainability (TIMS)
Design and Production : RISE IMPACT
Sales / Project Advisor : Nantanat Arunothayanan
Editor / Proofreading / Photography : Tanot Chidanonda
Writer : Ponpitcha Tantravanich
Photography : Ploypetch Namjad
Transcription : Luxamon Niramitsrichai
Graphic Design : Napisa Leelasuphapong
Project Management / Art Direction : Papon Sirimai