Thailand adapts WHO’s Step-by-Step programme as part of national digital mental health platform

20 May 2025
Reading time:

 

As part of Thailand’s first-ever National Mind Month hosted by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on 6 May 2025, the Department of Mental Health, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Prasrimahabodhi Psychiatric Hospital, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, and the World Health Organization, officially launched the “Tor-Tuem-Jai” Platform. This digital mental health self-care programme aims to strengthen emotional resilience across the population.

The term “Tor-Tuem-Jai” (ต่อ-เติม-ใจ) means “connecting and restoring the heart.” Each part of the name carries a specific meaning:

  • Tor (ต่อ) – "to build on" or "to extend" — focuses on expanding knowledge and skills in basic stress management and self-care using the “Doing What Matters” publication of WHO.
  • Tuem (เติม) – "to fill" or "to recharge" — aims to restore energy and hope for people with depressive symptoms through the adaptation of the WHO Step by Step (SBS) application to the Thai context, supported by WHO HQ and SEARO experts
  • Jai (ใจ) – "heart" or "mind" — emphasizes mental wellbeing and the importance of caring for our inner world

Presentation of the “Tor-Teum-Jai” platform to Her Excellency Prime Minister and MOPH officials by Dr Apichaya Polrak (Prasrimahabodhi Psychiatric Hospital), Dr. Pairoj Saonuam (ThaiHealth) and Dr Olivia Nieveras (WHO) 
Photo credit: WHO Thailand and Department of Mental Health

Thailand is facing a growing mental health crisis. Data from the Mental Health Check-In mobile application (between 1 January 2020 and 20 February 2025) showed that among 6.15 million users, 9.14% were at risk of depression, 5.18% were at risk of suicide, and 7.87% reported high levels of stress. The 20–29 age group exhibited the highest risk across all indicators. Additional findings indicate that psychiatric and substance use cases have increased by 500,000 since 2020, and there were 5,217 suicide deaths and 33,926 attempted suicides in 2024

The Step by Step program is a five-week structured programme delivered via a digital platform, guiding users through interactive, evidence-based exercises to promote emotional well-being. Each participant is supported by trained e-Helpers who provide encouragement, answer questions, and help users stay engaged. The programme targets individuals in the early stages of stress or depression, with a strong emphasis on reaching older adults and involving younger family members in supporting their elders. High-risk users can be referred to mental health professionals for timely intervention.

Dr Jos Vandelaer was welcomed by the Director General of Mental Health and the Permanent Secretary of MOPH 
Photo credit: Department of Mental Health

Dr Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, congratulated the Thai government for the approval of May as “Mind Month” by the Cabinet and commended the collaboration on the “Tor-Tuem-Jai” platform, now part of the national policy. This initiative marks a significant leap forward for digital mental health in Thailand, empowering families with accessible tools for self-care through digital technology.

To explore the program, access the platform at www.ต่อเติมใจ.com