Bangkok:The government is set to accelerate the upgrading of "electronic mental health rooms," with a pilot program being introduced in 100 schools to enhance mental health care for students and teachers.

According to Thai News Agency, this initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labor, and the National Health Security Office (NHSO). It aims to link healthcare rights and provide early access to mental health care through a telepsychiatry system. This project, scheduled to kick off in November, seeks to prevent risks that may lead to violence in educational institutions.

Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarat Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted that the Ministry of Education is working alongside various ministries and the Social Security Office to develop this system. The initiative will enable psychologists and psychiatrists to assess symptoms and provide online counseling for students, teachers, and staff. Suankularb Wittayalai Nonthaburi School is among the first to implement the system.

The project also focuses on developing teachers' skills to screen for mental health risks and provide initial care. A referral system will be in place to ensure timely access to specialized treatment, supported by the NHSO and the Ministry of Public Health.

Additionally, health benefits will be linked between the National Health Security System and the Social Security System to support continuous care for students and educational personnel. The campaign is expected to officially launch in early November 2026, aiming to raise awareness of mental health issues in schools.

The deputy spokesperson emphasized that this program is not only about screening but also involves a comprehensive system to observe, counsel, and refer individuals for treatment, ensuring that mental health issues are addressed before they affect educational outcomes and safety.