In Thailand, Calls To Suicide Helplines Have Skyrocketed

Millions of Thais lost their jobs when pandemic lockdown restrictions forced malls and other public venues to close in March.Thai figures show the average rate of suicide fell in the first four months of the year.However, Reuters reports calls to a suicide helpline in Thailand have skyrocketed by three to five times since the lockdown began.Panomporn Phoomchan, director of Samaritans of Thailand, says most calls are related to concerns about financial problems.In a bid to cushion the blow, Thailand announced it would pay $460 in three monthly payments to people who had lost their jobs due to the shutdown.