pogal

My friend told me I should reply to this even though Im bored of reading the same old ignorant comments, so here goes. (I'll copy and save this so I can paste it in next time this same old story flares up)... but ... I will say I am surprised that there are a lot of positive educated comments this time, good on you guys for realizing what a real volunteer is and how good most of these guys really are

Firstly, thanks to "Pessimistic Optimist" for your kindness in donating to these groups but I would say that if you want an alternative to donating to the organisation's administration, that you buy petrol vouchers, medical equipment, such as surgical gloves, collars, bandages, or even introduce yourself to your local volunteers and see what they need to help them do a better job.

Secondly, To everyone else who has told negative stories of "people they know" I would say to you that you should listen to both sides of the story or at least try to validate it!

The so called "body snatchers" are actually not allowed to transport or even touch a dead body without the police or registered (and paid) body collector being there. Only in the Tsunami were volunteers allowed to transport bodies. The police registered body collectors called "Nor-Kade" are responsible for the photographing, fingerprinting and transportation of bodies in Thailand (until they are handed over to the families).

So anyone with a story about volunteers moving bodies, not offering medical treatment until they die etc are completely ... misguided!. It illegal for them to do so, and so your story is immediately null and void!

Pessimistic optimistic, you asked to know more about these volunteers. I have worked with them every single day for 12 years and so want to tell you about them. In every organisation and community there are the good and the bad, even our own farang community here in Thailand, there are thieves, murders, pedophiles, rapists, etc. but I would guess that the people commenting here would be deeply offended if they were classified in this group merely for being part of the farang community here in Thailand!??? So that brings me to the point that not all of the 50,000+ registered volunteers in Thailand are good guys! Amazing but true. But I would say they are a lot better than the police or government! or even the farang community for that matter! Some of these volunteers spend up to 50% of their own salaries running rescue vehicles! Would YOU do that!? They receive NOTHING in return! Most do not even do it for Karma reasons! SO not even spiritual return! Most of them are true ALTRUISTS! I think there is no other society in the world that has that many true altruists! They pay for their vehicles, equipment, petrol, uniform, etc, they only thing the foundation gives them is the ID card (which they have to laminate themselves!!!), these guys bring a different meaning to the word "volunteers"~! In western countries, "volunteers" are given vehicles, uniforms, etc., and sometimes even a stipend! In Thailand, they are not considered "volunteers"! They are considered "low-wage earners"!!!!

Someone made a comment about getting money. It is illegal to accept money from anyone as a volunteer. I will admit that some private hospitals do pay between 200-500 baht illegally to volunteers. Some accept, some do not. In these cases though 200 baht for all your time, equipment and petrol is still below cost! Think about it! But most of our work is for the government hospitals anyway and no payment is ever received from them. At first I was against this idea but when I got to realize what these guys do and pay for, I think its not enough! My volunteer friends receive salaries of between 10,000 and 30,000 baht. They spend over 40 hours a week helping others, spend up to half of their salaries, they don't drink or do drugs, they have families, they are friendly and courteous, and often risk their own lives to help others. I trust them with my life (Honestly I wouldn't do that with 99% of other Thai's I know). "Generally" I find the average Thai untrustworthy, selfish, and uncaring, only these volunteer friends have managed to keep my faith in Thai people. I have also have had volunteer friends die helping others, one of them just 3 nights ago in Bang Plee. For all these reasons mentioned (and more) I take great offense at people who don't really know anything, criticizing them.

Moving on... There are 2 major rescue groups in Thailand, one is Poh Teck Tung and the other is Ruamkatanyu (who I volunteer for). These 2 groups do not fight, as some people think. On the contrary, they often assist each other in major accidents and most have friends that belong to both groups. These 2 groups are the only one's registered with the police to do .... the police's job!, ...that is photograph, fingerprint, etc. There are other smaller rescue groups that operate and often make problems for the 2 big groups. There is no reason for them to exist, except, corruption. The police and government allow them to operate because they get kickbacks, not from the rescue work but from donations from the public to their charity. Unfortunately most Thai's do not even know what I am telling you here. Don't feel bad you don't know all this because actually most Thai's also don't know, they think all we do is pick up dead bodies when in fact we are not even allowed to do that! Bizzare!

Training: I can only speak for the 2 major groups when I say all volunteers MUST undergo government first aid courses operated by Narenthorn or Erawan or the Emergency Medical Council of Thailand. So once again those who say volunteers are not trained are wrong.

About theft, well I guess it happens in every community but I do want to relate a "FIRST HAND" experience I had when I turned up to an accident that was already being taken care of, I saw with my own eyes, a member of the public hand over a wallet they found meters away from the victim the rescue worker then gave it to the victim who opened it and said the money was gone and started to blame the rescue workers who obviously hadn't removed the money. I stepped in an explained what I had seen and that seemed to appease the victim but perhaps if I hadn't of been there, a new story would have started.

I have also personally been involved in a case were the victim lied about having 30,000 baht in his wallet. He was later convicted for the offense.

Yes I agree that first aid is not enough for rescue workers but then it is the government that needs to address this problem, why do people blame these poor volunteers for doing something that 99.9% of people in the world would not do! These are the only people I want to be friends with and spend my life with in Thailand. Not Thai bar girls, arrogant upper class Thai's who look down on others, not the police, army, or government, not a bunch of drunken farang friends, I want to be with a bunch of true altruists who think the same way I do about life.

Pessimistic Optimist, I can only really speak for myself and my close friends when I say the reason we do it is because "its the right thing to do". Im not religious in any way, and my friends are Buddhists and Muslim but they have always told me the same thing, "its the right thing to do". Doing something with your life to make a small difference in the world is just right!

Now I've spent my only afternoon off writing this I will not be back to answer any comments sorry but I think I've covered most of what was asked about?

BTW, I DO and CAN accept money since I am a registered charity in New Zealand so feel free to donate (we need a new ambulance for the Sukumvhit area!) and thanks again to those of you who are eduated and aware of the situation and have written in support of these hero's.

www.bkkfreeambulance.com

Its nice to see that Thailand has recognized the problems and is trying to deal with it (albeit in their own way).

There are shootings everyday in Bangkok, some fatal, some not. The amount of guns is incredible! I would estimate 1/4 of cars have a gun, (possibly less than half legal) and 3/4 of all cars, a weapon of some sort. 3,000 baht can buy you a .38 semi (I know because I was offered it yesterday). Its so easy to buy a gun here!

I have had guns pointed at me a few times now, twice by drunken police! Shot at several times (but that was in the Red Shirt protests) and picked up untold dead bodies from shootings. Guns are displayed very often all over Bangkok, and luckily used more rarely but listening to the police radios I can easily say - daily, sometimes many times in one day, we just don't hear about it unless someone high profile is killed or reporters got a good photo, otherwise it's just part of daily life here.

As for the gun-user profiles, I would definitely say the majority that use it are actually hot headed teenagers (who possibly loose face), more rarely the rich and powerful, they normally pay someone else to do it! The only difference is the rich and powerful will probably not go to jail, while the average teenager will.

Once again I would highly recommend to everyone to avoid altercations with Thai's, this is one place where you really want to turn the other cheek but saying that, if you have to, hit and run like hell, you will never win, even if you do win.

Hope the Thais are supplying them good security, they have probably just become high risk targets.

I was there when a soldier, 5 meters away, shot through the front windscreen of an ambulance and hit my best friend, seriously injuring him.

The official Thai Red Cross ambulance, was clearly marked and parked inside the grounds of the Pinnacle hotel.

It would be almost impossible to make such a mistake.

We took my friend to the Chulalongkorn hospital but after a few hours a high ranking officer came and had him moved to the army hospital and assured that all costs would be paid by the army. Its good that they accepted responsibility but we still find it hard to understand the soldiers reasoning for shooting.

So as you can see the army has actually already taken some responsibility for some shootings, although I doubt they had any choice since it was right in front of the hotel and witnessed by many people.

I can't believe a crappy movie is making such an impact.

Well, if a book can, surely a movie can:)

I thought there would be no flooding this year, does this count as a broken promise.

I think when I read this idiotic comment one more time I will throw myself to the crocodiles.

I dont think crocodiles like tough, bitter, ropey old meat

I think this year its Tigers, not crocs:)

This is news? LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Typical. Rich or well connected family, you can get away with murder here. Nothing changes.

About the same as what would have been imposed on a child in Australia.

Actually I didn't (want to) believe you and just spent 2 hours googling and all over the world, USA, Aus, UK its the same. You are right, almost no jail sentences. Even for adults there are "some" with no jail sentences for accidents or reckless/dangerous driving.

But still, I think there should be "IF" you are breaking the law at the time.

I just heard from a head nurse that in the next few weeks Army/Navy nurses are going on training excercises for a mass casualty senario.

She personally thinks its a "coup" senario.

aussie-tourist-dies-of-heatstroke-in-phuket/

Another misleading headline: A heart attack "possibly" brought on my heatstroke...

(Phuket gazette)

Gotta admit though, in my 12 years here, this summer feels like the hottest!

Ngong...ววววววววววว....

....must be related to Samak!...

Wow! the police didn't find any wrong doing when basically they were investigating themselves! Surprise surprise!

There is almost no illegal things going on in Thailand that the police don't get a cut of, particularly gambling, prostitution etc. What a blight they are on Thai society!

Why is PTT the only major petrol station to have NGV!????

The obvious answer in Thailand would be some sort of corruption but us there another?

Thais and alcohol , alcohol and Thais.....hmmmm makes for an interesting life altering combo.

you forgot to add car and motorbike,lol

Also forgot murders and other violent crime. Last night in Nana Plaza a foreigner was attacked, beaten and stabbed. 2 men where shot dead in other places (a 3rd was found dead but unsure of how he sustained his injuries).

Violence is shockingly high over Songkran every year, in the EMS we are mostly busy with violent crimes than accidents. Last night was crazy in BKK. I think they should include these statistics since they are relevant to the Songkran period.

Every year is the same, the first day or 2 is not bad but after that, days of alcohol seem to bring out the worst and it really shows in our workload. I enjoy my work but Im not looking forward to the last few days, its also quite dangerous for us too. 3 years ago my ambulance received a bullet hole:/

Please everyone be aware of the fact that violence increases exponentially over Songkran.

Hope you all enjoy it anyway and stay safe:)

Alert for possible unrest over break

The Nation

"The next bomb target will be that building over there."

Is it where the police man on the left is pointing?

You win, well spotted Bruce:)

First of all pogal I would personally like to thank you for the obvious care and love you show for all the people who cannot look after themselves due to the many social issues you have described..There is no doubt that people like you are needed in this world..of that there is no argument(God bless you)The story you tell of David though speaks volumns of the uphill battle that embassy staff have of situations and problems like this that occur on a daily basis ..(Who exactly is the guy..What's his proper name..Is he drug dependant..Are there mental issues...Is he really a UK citizen?..)The list goes on and on and another one appears not that long after...In short the embassy is not a private detective agency that can just employ people to chase up half leads...In short did David have a bad induced trip..Did he blow all his money on a girl he met one way or the other?A million questions mate and a million people here on holiday,work and what ever coming and going...No passport?..Well what can anyone hope to do then..the case in Pattaya last year was upsetting to say the least(myself included)Send his photo to as many news links as you can back home (local and any charity links also)Whatever keep up your good work ...Jed.

Thanks for the message Jed. About David he seems very well spoken(with an English accent) and polite (possibly very well educated). I'm pretty sure it is just a Psychological issue. I will try and take a photo if I meet him again. Good idea about contacting the press back home, I will try it next time.

Regards:)

If these are the rules of the Embassy then ok but... there are a lot of people who fall through these gaps. I work in the rescue field and most recently I have noticed an incidence of farang that are homeless! They literally have no money and no place to stay. There are 2 that come to mind in the Sukumvhit area. One goes by the name of David, he is about 55+ years old. He seems confused and unsure of his past. I originally took him to hospital after a slight motorcycle accident with minor scrapes and bumps, he had no ID or money, and was living off the street. His story changed each time I asked him and so I gathered at that point he was either lying or had some psychological problems, I didn't really pay much attention the first time as I assumed the hospital and Embassy would clear things up. I was wrong.

A week later I was called to another job in Param 4 where I found David again, someone had thought he had an accident but actually he was just sleeping on the pavement. I asked him what had happened in the hospital and he said he had just left after treatment. So I gathered that the neither the police or hospital had contacted the UK Embassy. I'm not quite sure if they have to or not?

After a lengthy conversation I realized that David was in fact confused about his whole life and needed help. I took him to the Tong Lor Police station and told them he had no ID and was living in a distressed state and needed consular assistance. After a lot of pushing I managed to get them to put me through to the after hours people in London who basically said if he is not in hospital or prison they are not interested. I then told the police that they should arrest David for not having ID, they were not interested. I had an accident to go to and when I returned later David was gone.

A few days later in Tong Lor soi 9 I again met David sleeping outside a plush Condo. The security wanted him removed. The police would not come. I once again took David to the police station and asked them to sign papers to commit him to a Psychiatric hospital for physical and mental treatment and hopefully this would lead to forced repatriation to the UK by the UK government.

The police finally agreed to sign the papers and a special ambulance was called. I once again was sent to attend another job. I myself contact the UK Embassy in BKK this time to alert them about David, the lady there was quite helpful but we discovered the next day that David was never sent to that hospital and was released back into the streets.

I have no idea were he is now and believe his life is in great danger. I don't give him long to be living like he is.

The problem is the Thai authorities are not doing their job properly either because they can't be bothered or they don't know what to do.

I believe there is a need for a foreigners agency to help foreigners of all countries who need unusual assistance like this. I am already stepping outside my jurisdiction. This needs to be handled by trained people with lots of contacts, money and authority.

I think if a group of governments joined together they could do this efficiently and economically, possibly with the assistance of sponsors etc.... just an idea. I feel a bit helpless and honestly don't have the time and resources to do this. I work full time and do ambulance voluntarily after work and weekends.

As for deaths in BKK, I try to attend these when I can to assist family or friend of the deceased in translation or protocol. I find a lot have died from drug/alcohol problems (normally put down as heart failure), often with large amounts of Viagra stashed in their rooms. Autopsies are done on some but many others don't. The autopsies themselves are simple and generally do not include testing for drugs etc. Basically opened up and looking for trauma wounds etc. I think the cause of deaths for many foreigners(and locals) would never be truly known. Its too expensive and most people are lacking in expertise (and effort).

Cause of deaths are often given by untrained police (and sometimes rescue workers) at the scene.

Statistics are not really a true indication of what has actually happened. I believe many murders in Thailand are never even discovered.

JFYI if you do have an accident and no insurance I recommend you go to Chulalongkorn hospital for urgent medical assistance. They will treat you even if you dont have money but may try and get it from you later. They are going to kill me for recommending this:/

As for insurances for long term people I highly recommend BAKAN SANG-KHOM, a government insurance. Cheap and unlimited cover. Only problem is that I think you need to be working? But do check it out. They also cover you for pre-existing conditions! Amazing! I have used it for 12 years and think it is great!

"As a result, hookahs can now be found in restaurants and roadside shops set up specifically for minors. Businesses offering shisha are commonly found in or near student dormitories, the panel heard."

Dormitories? ... are only found at universities which means everyone there must be 18++ so... whats the problem? So many many many problems in Thailand and they are worried about this? Logic:)

There are hundreds of crimes and probably a murder a day but is random and uninteresting, or a journalist hasn't been at the crime scene in time. Listening to the police and rescue radio's each day I would say that this estimate is about right (probably under-quoted).

News reports on this website are farang related because... farang read it:) Only the more gory or interesting Thai stories are ever translated. But if you are really interested then just buy a Thai newspaper and see it everyday. These are the crimes that have been solved or witnessed, Im sure there are many that will never come to light.

Of interest in this story is the blood stained car, the fact that the girl had a gun and an interesting life.... wonder if there is another body around somewhere:/

Actually its Hi5 and this thing called CAMFROG that they are crazy over! No age limits and the CAMFROG thing has a lot of sexual content. Also my students were laughing the other day when one of them got a "sex-message" from AIS! It was an advert to download sexual pictures from another website. Totally innapropriate but when I told a Thai teacher they just laughed.

Also its Thai society as a whole that shows that rape and sex is ok, its all over the Drama shows and "comic books".

Most kids see one of their parents have a Gik or Meer noi. Its all around them everyday in so many ways.

Blaming Facebook is just ignorant and plain STUPID! Typical Thai in charge of soemthing they shouldn't be (which is most things).

At St Joseph Convent years ago I did "The Diary of Anne Frank" with the G8 Students. They were literally horrified at what happened and just could not understand why it had happened. It was one of the most interesting classes I have ever been involved in and just proves that it is normally never taught about in Thai schools. Also did MLK with G7: similar response.

I also know many Thais mistake the Nazi Swastika with the Buddhist one, they are hardly to blame, the Thai education system is.

Last year Thaivisa ran this article about BKK levels being critical at only 55mg. Just as a comparison these levels in Phayao seem to be seriously dangerous:/

Air pollution in BKK found at critical level

BANGKOK, 2 February 2011 (NNT) – The Pollution Control Department has reported that air pollution within Bangkok has reached a critical level while a pollution reduction plan will be drawn to tackle the problem.

Dr Wijarn Simachaya, Deputy Director General of the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, revealed statistics from a survey of the air quality in Bangkok during 1997-2010, which suggested that dust particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter were measured at 55.3 micrograms per cubic meter per year, exceeding the normal rate of 50 micrograms by 4 percent.

.......... (snipped for brevity) ....

You must attract bad service, in more than 5 years of living in Thailand I can count with the fingers of one hand how many times a taxi driver didn't want to use the meter (excluding airport). Only once I noticed at the end of a short drive that the meter was not working, once I notice the meter was running faster than normal.

On the other hand I've had on a couple of occasions been taken the wrong way due to a genuine misunderstanding of the directions and the drivers offered me to not pay the fare at all when getting to my intended destination.

I use a taxi at least twice a day (other forms of transport are really not convenient at all) and for the most part drivers are decent people, perhaps 1 out of 30 or so is dodgy, drives recklessly or unfriendly but that's about it.

+1

+2

I think its depends where you live too. I am around Sukumvit/Silom and because of that I would disagree strongly with your calculation and say 1 in 10 are good. (in that area), otherwise in the suburbs, yes I would agree with you.