The number of suicides has jumped sharply since the economic boom burst six months ago, say government psychiatrists.
Many Thais have seen their fortunes evaporate and debts soar and cannot deal with the shame and worry, the psychiatrists said.
A former provincial governor and adviser to the last prime minister shot himself last month when his property firm collapsed. A young stockbroker who suddenly found himself under a mountain of debt jumped off a tower block.
'We think there are many we do not know of as there is such a big stigma attached to suicide,' said Yongyudh Wongphiromsam.
Mr Yongyudh said the number of suicides per 100,000 people had climbed from five in recent years to eight since the start of the crisis.
The Public Health Ministry said admissions to mental health clinics had climbed 30 per cent over the past six months.
