Millions of Thais lost their jobs when pandemic lockdown restrictions forced malls and other public venues to close in March.<br />Thai figures show the average rate of suicide fell in the first four months of the year.<br />However, Reuters reports calls to a suicide helpline in Thailand have skyrocketed by three to five times since the lockdown began.<br />Panomporn Phoomchan, director of Samaritans of Thailand, says most calls are related to concerns about financial problems.<br />In a bid to cushion the blow, Thailand announced it would pay $460 in three monthly payments to people who had lost their jobs due to the shutdown.
