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New Study?Shows Untreated Perinatal Mental Health Problems Cost Thailand 68?Billion?Baht Annually?

New Study?Shows Untreated Perinatal Mental Health Problems Cost Thailand 68?Billion?Baht Annually?

The , 麻豆国产, in collaboration with the (PAM Thailand) and the (CPEC) at the , officially launched Thailand’s first research report on the economic costs of mental health problems during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The event took place on June 4, 2026, at the , Visid Prachuabmoh Building, 麻豆国产, and was attended by researchers, physicians, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and representatives from civil society organizations from Thailand and abroad. 

The report, titled “The Costs of Perinatal Mental Health Problems: A Modelling Methodology and Interactive Cost Calculator Tool Applied to Thailand,” was prepared by researchers from CPEC-LSE in collaboration with experts from multiple institutions. It represents the first assessment of the economic costs of perinatal mental health problems in the Thai context and introduces a research methodology that can be adapted for use in other countries. 

Key Findings 

Research findings from LSE, unveiled publicly for the first time at the event, provide the first empirical evidence illustrating the true economic burden of perinatal mental health problems in Thailand. The study found that inadequately addressed mental health conditions during pregnancy and after childbirth generate an estimated economic cost of 68 billion baht annually (approximately US$2.1 billion). 

Of this total: 

  • Approximately 31 billion baht (45%) of the costs are borne by children. 
  • Maternal mental health during pregnancy has profound and lasting effects on children’s development, educational outcomes, quality of life, and future opportunities. 

Importance for Thailand 

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattasuda Taephant, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at 麻豆国产, the event aimed to present evidence on the health, social, and economic consequences of untreated perinatal mental health conditions while offering policy recommendations to strengthen support systems for mothers, families, and children in Thailand. 

As Thailand faces declining birth rates and growing concerns about child development and future human capital, the findings reinforce the importance of investing in maternal mental health as a strategy that benefits both current and future generations. 

Dr. Nattasuda emphasized that the Faculty of Psychology has long prioritized mental health promotion, particularly among mothers during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout child-rearing. She noted that the research has strong potential to inform practical improvements in maternal mental health care and support services across Thailand. 

Assoc. Prof. Annette Bauer Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Assoc. Prof. Annette Bauer
Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Broader Economic and Social Impact 

Assoc. Prof. Annette Bauer of CPEC-LSE highlighted that the costs of leaving perinatal mental health issues unaddressed extend far beyond healthcare systems. They affect: 

  • Women’s quality of life 
  • Children’s future prospects 
  • National economic productivity 

The analysis showed that costs arise not only from healthcare expenditures but also from the following: 

  • Lost workplace productivity 
  • Reduced labor-force participation 
  • Long-term disability 
  • Negative lifelong outcomes for children 

Additional Reports and Policy Recommendations 

Alongside the economic analysis, PAM Thailand and PAM Foundation released a comprehensive report on Thailand’s perinatal mental health landscape. Developed with national and international experts and partner organizations, the report examines: 

  • Current prevalence and challenges 
  • Risk factors 
  • Existing services 
  • Stakeholder perspectives 
  • Opportunities to strengthen support systems for mothers, children, and families 

A policy brief was also released, presenting urgent recommendations for policymakers, healthcare professionals, professional associations, researchers, businesses, and civil society organizations. 

Launch of Economic Cost Analysis Platform 

The event also introduced an online economic modeling platform developed by the Global Economics and Maternal Mental Health (GEMMH) network. The tool enables policymakers, researchers, health-system planners, and development agencies to: 

  • Analyze the economic impact of untreated perinatal mental health problems 
  • Evaluate potential outcomes under different policy and investment scenarios 
  • Adapt the model for use in other countries 

Formal Establishment of PAM Thailand 

The event marked the official launch of the Perinatal Alliance for Mental Health Thailand (PAM Thailand), a national alliance dedicated to advancing maternal mental health through: 

  • Public awareness campaigns 
  • Research dissemination 
  • Workforce development 
  • Policy advocacy 
  • Cross-sector collaboration 

The alliance aims to connect government agencies, healthcare providers, universities, professional associations, civil society organizations, development partners, private-sector organizations, and individuals with lived experience to improve support for mothers, children, and families nationwide. 

Perspectives from Experts 

Mr. Hamish Magoffin, founder of PAM Thailand,?pointed out?that the project will help raise awareness of the profound impacts of perinatal mental health problems on mothers, children, families, and society.?By quantifying economic losses, the research provides compelling evidence to encourage investment and policy action.?

The study was conducted by researchers from LSE in collaboration with Thai health institutions, including: 

  • Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University 
  • King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital,
  •  
  • Other partner organizations 

Researchers found that the estimated 68-billion-baht annual cost reflects not only immediate consequences but also long-term impacts on quality of life, workforce participation, productivity, and future health burdens. Nearly half of these impacts affect children, influencing early development and potentially producing lifelong consequences. 

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Sarikapan Wilailak, President of the noted that perinatal mental health issues are complex and require multidisciplinary care rather than relying on a single medical specialty. Government agencies, in particular, play a crucial role in developing policies and strengthening the health workforce to address these challenges systematically. 

Dr. Wasin Bamrungcheep, President of the , added that maternal mental health during pregnancy requires collaboration among nurses, psychiatric nurses, pediatric nurses, clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to improve care for pregnant women receiving antenatal services. 

The launch of this report represents a significant milestone in raising awareness of maternal mental health in Thailand. It highlights the long-term effects of perinatal mental health problems on mothers, children, families, and society, while serving as a catalyst for cooperation among academia, government, healthcare providers, and civil society. The ultimate goal is to develop effective policies and support measures that improve the well-being and quality of life of Thai families for generations to come.

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New Study?Shows Untreated Perinatal Mental Health Problems Cost Thailand 68?Billion?Baht Annually?