Young psychologists reflect Thai society under strain

Once a niche subject, psychology has gained significant traction in Thailand over the past decade. Public conversation is shifting, with mental well-being receiving greater attention. More people are willing to talk about it, more open to acknowledging its importance, and increasingly aware of how neglecting it can affect society at large.

This shift has also brought renewed attention to those working in the field — psychologists.

Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not prescribe medication. Instead, they focus on talk therapy and behavioural interventions, playing a vital role in helping people confront one of the most complex dimensions of being human — emotions.

Against this backdrop, the Bangkok Post spoke with two young clinical psychologists to ask: what does it mean to work through dialogue in a society only beginning to speak openly about mental health?

### ‘Emotions are already difficult for Thai people’

Theerawan Deebanklong, a 29‑year‑old psychologist at a public hospital in Bangkok, pointed to a cultural pattern that has long shaped Thai society.

“Many patients come in unable to identify their emotions,” she said. “They cry but cannot explain what they feel, particularly because emotions have been suppressed for so long.”

With six years in the profession, Theerawan explained that Thai society has often taught people not to have negative emotions, reinforced by the use of the prefix “khi” in everyday Thai language. The word typically functions as a prefix to expand the meaning of a noun or verb with a negative connotation — describing an overly habitual behaviour.

Examples include khi moho (short‑tempered), khi ngud ngid (easily annoyed), khi kangwon (overly anxious) and khi klua (easily fearful).

“Because of this, people avoid emotions instead of understanding them,” Theerawan said. “But in reality, is it possible not to have them?”

She added that people often speak in terms of thoughts rather than emotions: “‘I feel like they shouldn’t do that’ instead of ‘I’m angry’ or ‘I’m sad.’”

As attitudes begin to shift, she urged people to learn to understand emotions. In her words: “They do not harm anyone; they simply tell the holder what is happening, and then they pass.”

“Seeing patients improve — being able to go back and live their lives — that feels good,” says clinical therapist Theerawan Deebanklong, 29.

Mental strain in today’s Thailand

Beyond cultural attitudes, social and economic realities are adding new layers of pressure. Rising economic stress leaves many struggling to manage their lives, Theerawan observed, while the fast‑paced, competitive environment intensifies the strain.

“Productivity has become a relentless benchmark, while resting is seen as wasted time,” she said. “Yet true productivity requires sleep.”

Society tells people success must come by a certain age, with certain achievements such as owning a car, a house or a business. Theerawan questions who sets these definitions of success.

“People are unknowingly chasing someone else’s finish line, which might not match what their lives really need. And society’s expectations never end,” she said.

Parenting styles, too, reflect this shift. Some parents overprotect, shielding children from failure, while others neglect. Both extremes can be harmful. “Children must learn that falling and rising again is valuable.”

Urassaya Klomlerk, 24, now in her sixth month as a clinical therapist at a public hospital in Nonthaburi, echoed the concern. Since her internship at Thailand’s Mental Health Hotline, she has frequently encountered cases of violence. “These include physical and emotional violence in families or in romantic relationships.”

Easy access to media also plays a role, she added. Children raised on screens may face attention difficulties and future psychiatric issues, while adults exposed to constant news cycles struggle to manage stress. “Economic headlines, social crises — these weigh heavily when media is always within reach,” she explained.

### Is the profession valued enough?

While awareness of mental health is increasing, the young therapists noted that the government system still does not prioritise the profession.

Is it worth the pay? “Not really,” Urassaya replied. “There are few government positions for psychotherapists, even though many graduates pass the exams yearly.”

To become a clinical psychologist requires at least a six‑month internship followed by passing the examination for Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts.

Theerawan added that workload has also been a concern. “Previously, I worked at a protection centre where there was only one psychologist handling about 500 cases. And at my current hospital, the patient queue already extends into next month.”

She emphasised that improving Thailand’s mental health services requires long‑term effort. “It may take at least a decade, as society has overlooked it for so long,” she said, adding that psychological outcomes are difficult to measure, unlike physical ones, which makes progress less visible.

“But if more attention were given to mental health — not just psychologists but the whole field — the country could improve,” said Theerawan, who once worked in the private sector.

“For example, drug abuse is rising. If we invest in mental health education from childhood, or educate parents, these problems could decrease, returning a quality population to society.”

Yet the system has struggled to keep pace. Thailand has roughly 1.5 psychologists per 100,000 people, a ratio that reflects a significant shortage, particularly outside major cities.

According to the Thai Health Report 2025 , about 13.4 million Thais claimed to have experienced mental health problems. People aged 45-59 report the lowest happiness levels, while people aged 15-29 are more at risk of stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies due to academic pressure, fear of missing out, family violence and social expectations.

The vast majority still do not access formal care — highlighting both stigma and limited service capacity.

“Stress can come from working with drug addiction cases,” Urassaya recalled her interning period at the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment. “If you don’t understand these patients, you can burn out easily because it’s a repetitive cycle.”

Part of it is also the law, she pointed out. In Thailand, if someone is caught using drugs, without other offences, they can choose between treatment and legal punishment.

“And many surely choose the treatment system, but they may not actually want to quit. My seniors there saw the same faces keep coming back.”

However, from a psychologist’s perspective, these patients are seen differently than by society, she said, and what the professionals do is to offer help but keep in mind that one session does not guarantee recovery.

“Even if patients have the same diagnosis, their stories are different. So being a therapist feels like endless learning — every case brings new experiences,” says 24-year-old clinical therapist Urassaya Klomlerk.

AI in therapy: a rising trend

Both psychologists acknowledged that artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to appear in their work.

Urassaya stressed that she does not fear AI replacing her job, but worries about its impact on patients’ grasp of reality.

“It’s a double‑edged sword,” she said. “On one hand, chatbots can help patients vent and become more aware of their emotions. But if they rely too heavily, they risk losing touch with reality — forgetting that the chat isn’t truly there.”

She has already encountered patients who manage stress through AI conversations, but cautions that psychologists must remind them: “This tool cannot always be with you. You have to return to yourself and check that you are still grounded.”

Theerawan added that cases involving AI are increasing, especially among university students. While using AI for consultation is “not entirely wrong”, she warned of bias in AI conversations. “AI often sides with the user, praising or affirming them, which can backfire if the timing is off.”

She sees potential for AI as a screening tool for mental health, but not as a substitute for therapy. “Most of the time, talks with AI are formed by users’ prompts. When patients meet a psychologist, they may be asked questions they have never asked themselves before — something AI cannot replicate.”

Asked about safe limits, Urassaya said, “It becomes harmful when one feels they cannot make everyday decisions without AI, suggesting their self‑esteem has dropped to zero.”

Theerawan suggested that short‑term use may be acceptable for mild stress, provided it does not exceed two weeks and does not involve suicidal or violent thoughts. But prolonged dependence can interfere with work and daily life, she said.

She mentioned a newly identified psychological phenomenon, “AI‑less phobia”, which is anxiety about living without AI and has only emerged in recent years, even amid fears of AI replacing human jobs.

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- KEYWORDS

- Mental health in thailand

- Clinical psychology

- Talk therapy

- Emotional well-being

- Bangkok mental health

- Psychological support

- Thai society