Fewer people committed suicide in the past year thanks to effective intervention, the Public Health Ministry said yesterday.

And, the number of people attempting suicide fell significantly, too, it said.

Meanwhile, the Samaritans of Thailand said it would offer English-language counselling over its hotline.

Samaritans is a charity providing confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who are suicidal.

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Thailand's suicide rate last year fell to 6.9 per 100,000 people down from 7.7 per 100,000 in 2004.

Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Prat Boonyawongvirot said its "intensive efforts" to intervene in potential suicides in the past year had contributed largely to the drop in numbers. But, despite this success, suicide prevention efforts had to be continuous to ensure there was always help for those in need.

"When facing a [serious] problem, one can cope if they are able to maintain an emotional balance," Prat said. "Otherwise, they need someone to support and encourage them to overcome problems."

Official figures showed 5,000 people killed themselves every year in Thailand. That was 13 people a day, or one every two hours.

Prat said Thailand's suicide rate was low compared with international numbers and regional nations like Japan and Korea.

But some provinces exhibited high rates, he explained. The northern province of Lamphun was the country's worst.

Both physical and mental illnesses contributed to suicides and Prat said better prevention of health problems would help cut suicide deaths.

Physical problems that often resulted in suicides were HIV/Aids and chronic ailments like migraines and hypertension leading to depression.

Every year Samaritans of Thai-land receive about 7,000 calls from the suicidal - about 20 calls a day.

The charity's director Trakarn Chensy said half those calls were from people suffering from relationship difficulties. Calls from women were more common.

Samaritans said there was a growing demand for English-speaking counselling. An English-language hotline was available from tomorrow.

Initially, English-language counselling would be provided on a "call-back" basis. Hotline callers would be encouraged to leave a contact number. A volunteer would return the call within 24 hours, Trakarn said. As soon as sufficient volunteers were available the service would be offered in real time.

The English-language service can be reached on 02 713 6790.

Arthit Khwankhom

The Nation