Thai workers at risk: global study highlights sector-specific mental health challenges with lessons for Thailand
A global study reveals that depression and serious psychological distress vary by job sector, with retail, food service, media, and healthcare support roles showing the highest risk. The findings underscore the need for sector-specific mental health programs, particularly as young adults and women are disproportionately affected. Data from more than 536,000 working adults across the United States informed the analysis, which examined how occupation, age, gender, and insurance status influence mental well-being. The insights are especially relevant for Thailand, where rapid economic shifts and urban growth are reshaping the workforce and its vulnerabilities. In Thailand, service and hospitality roles have expanded quickly, reflecting global patterns of stress in high-demand industries.