A deeply moving account recently published by The Telegraph, titled “Both of My Sons Took Their Own Lives. I Feel I Didn’t Teach Them Well Enough How to Suffer,” has reignited urgent conversations worldwide—including in Thailand—about youth suicide and the profound challenges parents face in supporting children’s mental health. The story, which recounts a parent’s devastating loss of two sons to suicide, highlights a poignant, widely shared concern: Are families and schools adequately preparing young people to cope with suffering and emotional distress in an increasingly complex world?
Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people globally, and Thailand is no exception. According to the latest report from the Department of Mental Health, adolescent suicide rates in Thailand have been slowly rising over the past decade, with mental health professionals citing rising academic pressure, family conflict, and the isolating effects of social media as key risk factors (Bangkok Post). The loss recounted in the British article echoes concerns expressed by Thai educators and public health officials, who note a troubling trend toward emotional fragility and a lack of effective coping mechanisms in the country’s youth.
The concept of “teaching children how to suffer”—as discussed in the article—has long been present in Buddhist philosophy and Thai parenting culture, but experts now warn that many modern families may be failing to pass on practical skills for emotional resilience. As a spokesperson from the Thai Mental Health Promotion Center commented, “Our society often encourages children to hide their vulnerabilities, fearing that discussing sadness or frustration is a sign of weakness. This taboo prevents many young Thais from seeking help until it’s too late.” (World Health Organization).
Recent international research offers a framework for prevention that resonates in the Thai context. A major 2023 review in The Lancet Psychiatry found that promoting “psychological flexibility”—the ability to experience a full range of emotions, including suffering, without feeling overwhelmed—reduces the risk of suicidal behaviour in adolescents (The Lancet Psychiatry). Cognitive-behavioural interventions, mindfulness practices, and structured programs that destigmatize failure and distress have shown promising results across diverse cultures.
For Thai families, the balance between traditional support systems—such as extended family networks and Buddhist temple guidance—and modern, evidence-based interventions could be critical. “Thailand’s age-old concept of ‘khwam-auyyai’ (endurance or forbearance) once helped previous generations cope with hardship, but today’s pressures are different, and children need tools to process their struggles constructively,” explained a psychiatrist at Ramathibodi Hospital. Education experts in Bangkok echo these concerns, advocating for curricula that normalize discussions of adversity, emotional pain, and the importance of seeking help.
In the wake of stories like the one in The Telegraph, Thai policymakers are increasing calls for grassroots mental health initiatives. The Ministry of Education recently expanded access to school-based mental health screenings and confidential counselling. However, these efforts face ongoing challenges, including limited numbers of qualified psychologists and pervasive stigma among parents who fear being blamed for their children’s emotional difficulties (UNICEF Thailand).
The cultural context in Thailand provides both opportunities and obstacles. Traditional proverbs such as “Mai pen rai” (never mind) foster acceptance, but can also inadvertently suppress genuine emotional expression. Buddhist teachings encourage mindful acceptance of suffering, yet the modern generation struggles to translate these concepts into practical coping skills amidst digital overload and rapid social change.
Looking ahead, health officials and parental support groups suggest a multi-pronged approach: integrating emotional literacy and resilience-building into school curricula, encouraging open family dialogues about feelings, and leveraging community resources such as Buddhist temples for guidance and support. Local governments in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen are piloting mindfulness-based programs for secondary students, while non-profits are launching parent workshops to address “digital stress” and peer pressure.
To all Thai caregivers—parents, teachers, siblings, friends—the lesson is clear: Do not shy away from difficult conversations about sadness, stress, and suffering. Create environments where emotional pain is seen as a natural part of life, and where seeking help is an act of strength, not shame. Simple actions, like regular family check-ins, connection to support networks, and open acknowledgment of emotional ups and downs, may make a life-saving difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, resources are available through the Mental Health Hotline (1323), Samaritans of Thailand, or trusted school counsellors.