BANGKOK — On April 4, 2025, officials from Lumpini Police Station met with representatives from 17 foreign embassies in Bangkok to discuss improved coordination in managing cases involving foreign nationals facing mental health crises. The meeting was held in response to operational challenges that have emerged as the city sees increasing numbers of tourists and expatriates.
The gathering, hosted at the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel in Pathumwan district, included members of the Immigration Police, Tourist Police, the Royal Thai Police Foreign Affairs Division, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Homeless Protection Center. The primary objective was to review and refine protocols that ensure effective and lawful intervention in mental health emergencies involving foreigners.
Police Colonel Yingyot Suwanno, Superintendent of Lumpini Police Station, stated that the meeting aimed to clarify roles and enhance crisis response strategies. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were shared with embassy representatives to facilitate clearer communication and cooperation during such incidents.
Officials highlighted several recent cases to illustrate existing gaps. In one February 2024 incident, a Japanese woman in distress took control of a rescue vehicle and drove it to Thonburi district. The lack of available embassy interpreters at the time forced police to seek private translation support.
Two incidents at the U.S. Embassy also raised concern. On May 29 and June 19, 2024, American and Russian citizens attempted unauthorized entry to the compound. In one instance, an individual jumped into a pond at the front of the premises. Delays were attributed to complex communication protocols between embassy staff and police.
Another case involved a Polish man found in poor health near a hotel on March 20, 2025. Communication challenges and delays in reaching embassy officials complicated efforts to provide medical care.
Conversely, more effective outcomes were noted in a case involving a Belarusian national who damaged hotel property and assaulted guests. Timely collaboration with Somdet Chaopraya Hospital, which provides psychiatric care, facilitated appropriate handling.
The meeting also reviewed a December 11, 2024, case from Phuket, where a Belarusian tourist exhibiting aggressive behavior was managed using clear SOPs that aligned with Thai legal standards and were easily actionable by local officers.
The session concluded with an emphasis on continued inter-agency cooperation and maintaining open channels with foreign embassies. Attendees included diplomatic staff from various embassies, officers from multiple police divisions, and officials from municipal services.
