Citation

Visanuyothin T, Somchai Chakrabhand ML, Bhugra D. Int. Rev. Psychiatry 2006; 18(3): 271-273.

Affiliation

Department of Mental Health, Academic Bureau, Ministry of Public Health, Royal Government of Thailand, Bangkok.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09540260600656217

PMID

16753665

Abstract

Over 5000 people lost their lives when the Asian tsunami hit the Andaman coast of southern Thailand. The delivery of services was complicated because a large number of tourists were in the area. The setting up of the Mental Health Centre for the Thai Tsunami disaster within the Department of Mental Health produced prompt mental health response. Regular contact using a variety of means provided supervision and mentoring. The Thai response built on the existing volunteer network. A Mobile Mental Health Team provided on the spot needs assessment and help. Thai experience provides a culturally acceptable way of delivering mental health services and normalization was the most appropriate response.

Language: en