title: Tsunami and mental health in Thailand.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Academic Bureau, Ministry of Public Health, Royal Government of Thailand, Bangkok.
authors.forename: Taweesin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Visanuyothin
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Somchai Chakrabhand
authors.forename: Dinesh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bhugra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004190:Disasters; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008952:Mobile Health Units; D012944:Social Support; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014838:Volunteers