Issue 11: 1 Sept 2014

The Director of the Bangkok Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Centre (BMRC) talks to Horizon Thailand about the kingdom’s newest mental health care centre.

Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, the Director of the BMRC, says that depression is cura-ble and must be cured at an early stage.

What is the BMRC?
It is a comprehensive, all-in-one private mental health rehabilitation and recovery centre by the Bangkok Hospital, under the care of a multi-professional team of specialist doctors, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists and more. The BMRC provides the many mental health services and is specialised in the treatment of depression, the bi-polar disorder, drug addiction and other related services such as psychiatric services, psychological services and occupational therapy services.

What is the ultimate goal of the BMRC?
Our ultimate goal is the recovery of patients, the recovery that brings back healthy and capable lives to the mind and spirit of our patients.

When did the BMRC open?
The BMRC had its opening this year. The outpatient ward was opened in June 2014 and the inpatient ward was opened in July 2014.

What services does the BMRC provide?
The seven-bed residential care facility is specifically designed and built for patients with mental illness, with a home-like ambience, safety and comfort as the highest priorities. The facility also provides a relaxing communal area, cooking room and therapy room for recreational activities.

What affiliated programmes does the BMRC provide?
Day-patients and outpatients can attend a wide range of therapeutic programmes such as psychiatric assessments, consultations, drinking and smoking cessation programmes, adult adolescent and child mental health management, cooking class, psychotherapy, dramatherapy, music therapy and other personal lifestyle management.

Can you explain Psychosocial Rehabilitation?
In general, one out of five people has a mental health problem and depression is the main cause of this illness. Depression can happen to everyone and if left uncured, it can lead to destructive behavioural changes in people’s lives. Depression is not something to be ashamed of or shy away from, but it is curable and must be cured at an early stage. Treatment takes time, but it will eventually return the patient to a happy life.

How do you see Thailand’s position and strength in mental medical tourism?
While the demand for mental health care service is very high, the supply is in shortage. Thailand is the only centre for mental health care in this region and can provide a full, comprehensive service to international visitors. Just at the Bangkok Hospital, there are about 200,000 to 300,000 fly-in patients from other countries coming to receive treatments every year and the number of mental health patients is rising. Overall Thailand has the ability to provide international service to expats, people from neighbouring countries and overseas visitors.

What are the BMRC’s future plans?
We have a plan to expand the BMRC centre into a second phase in two years, adding 30 more beds. The second phase will be constructed near the Bangkok Hospital area. We also plan to add the BMRC centre to the Bangkok Hospital’s branches in Chiang Mai and Khon Khan, and establish a drugs rehabilitation centre in the Yaowarat area as well.

For more information, please visit www.bangkokhospital.com/BMRC