There are two 16 yr old girls that I (try to) watch out for. I paid for them to attend a one 'Nurses Aid' course up here in Chiang Rai. Then I find that the 2nd half of their 'course' is full time work at a Bangkok hospital called "The Senior"

It might be part of Vibhavadi Hospital, but I think it's in Chatuchak Bangkok.

The girls and their fellow students are required to work 11 to 13 hour days and don't get one satang in payment. For the first couple months, they given any any food or lodging. After several weeks they were allowed to sleep on a mat on a floor of a room with a locked door - no beds or bedding. Before that, I don't know, maybe hallways, maybe janitor closets - quite vulnerable situations for cute mid-teen girls far from home. After a few months, one meal per day was provided (!) but their work-load was increased. I stay away from Bangkok, but even if I went there to express my concerns, what sort of reception would a non-Thai speaking farang receive? Probably a load of 'mai pen rai's and assurances that all's ok.

If anyone visits The Senior hospital (it's for wheelchair bound patients, etc), please convey my concerns for the girls' well-being. Tell 'em it's not good for their image if people think they're keeping slaves. Thanks.

That is shocking. Will they be paid a living wage once they 'qualify'? How are they supposed to support themselves in the interim? Outrageous

That is shocking. Will they be paid a living wage once they 'qualify'? How are they supposed to support themselves in the interim? Outrageous

The 2 girls return to their C.Rai homes in April - supposedly to 'graduate'. Earlier, I had planned to set up a 'scholarship' with donations (from farang) for other girls to take the 1-year nurses aid course with that school. With what I know now, I certainly don't want to put efforts toward setting up other kids to such abuse.

Another factor, the girls are 2nd generation immigrants from Laos and they're the youngest of 106 students in their class. They'll be the first in their families to get education - their parents can't read or write. However, it's likely that because of their impoverished background - the elite hospital managers feel justified in treating them like dirt. It's a reflection of the deep set stratification of Thai society.

Will they be able to find jobs once they 'qualify' and if so, will it be a livable wage they earn?

Thank you for the post, Brahmburgers. All is not what it appears to be in LOS.

Speaking to Thais from poor backgrounds, stories of exploitation are all too common. By exposing the reality, you do a service. You may need to do some research to discover precisely what qualification or certificate the 2 girls will receive. It may be little more than a worthless piece of paper like some language school certificates. If that's the case, you might as well bring them back to CR now. There are plenty of reputable government nursing colleges. I'd wager this is a private scheme.

Thank you for the post, Brahmburgers. All is not what it appears to be in LOS.

Speaking to Thais from poor backgrounds, stories of exploitation are all too common. By exposing the reality, you do a service. You may need to do some research to discover precisely what qualification or certificate the 2 girls will receive. It may be little more than a worthless piece of paper like some language school certificates. If that's the case, you might as well bring them back to CR now. There are plenty of reputable government nursing colleges. I'd wager this is a private scheme.

well some european nursing schools or the years after a doc comes fresh from university are not much different. If you account the different life/salaries in Europe than they are the same.