Advanced care plan in Thailand

[Robert Andrew]

Rather a morbid topic but any feedback much appreciated.

 

I am an expat and and feel very fortunate to live in Thailand.  I intend to live my final days in Thailand.  I am currently getting my affairs in order and would like to better understand advanced care planning in Thailand:

1: Does Thailand have an advanced care initiative whereby I can be very specific about what I believe represents a minimum quality of life (assuming no chance of recovery) and document it accordinglly?

2: If my minimum conditions of quality of life are not met can I be very specific in an advanced care plan, including instructions not to medicate. 

3: Alternatively, does Thailand respect an advanced care plan from my home country on the basis that it is consistent with my home countries requirements?

 

 

 

 

[thainet]

Thailand hospitals do recognise a "Living Will", but this is more for life support when hospitalised.

As for your specific question, I would think probably not, but it will be interesting to hear some posts from others in the same boat.

Cheers.

[Sheryl]

Thailand passed legislation allowing for Advance Directives a few years back though most doctors and hospitals are still pretty unused to them.

 

You need to execute one in Thailand in the Thai language. I had mine drawn up by Thai legal firm. Home country document will not do it. In addition, many hospitals have their own forms which they prefer to have used so if able to do so execute one when you are admitted or go under the care of a doctor.

 

You can be as specific as you want but it is best to keeps things fairly simple.

 

Most important  is to have either next of kin  or someone holding a power of attorney fully briefed and willing and able to enforce your wishes. In reality that carries more weight than an Advanced Directive, even in the west - because dead people don't sue or otherwise make trouble,  but relatives may.  Unfortunately this is something difficult for most Thai spouses to do.