Editors Pick ASEAN NOW in charity partnership with the Samaritans of Thailand

[Jonathan Fairfield]

ASEAN NOW announces new charity partnership with the Samaritans of Thailand

 

 

ASEAN NOW is pleased to announce the launch of a new partnership with the Samaritans of Thailand, a charity which provides vital emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide.

 

Samaritans is a charity working across Thailand to help people who are struggling to cope with how they’re feeling or with life’s challenges. People contact Samaritans for lots of reasons including loneliness, bereavement, mental health illness or suicidal thoughts.

 

Samaritans, which has been offering a suicide prevention hotline service in Thailand for 41 years, provides a non-judgmental, empathetic listening service with unconditional acceptance.  Caller confidentiality is paramount and all calls are kept strictly confidential.

 

Samaritans receive about 10,000 calls per year from people in Thailand and also offer an English language support line for foreigners in Thailand, which served approximately 120 English speaking calls last year. 

 

The English service is currently offered with a call-back option and is manned by Thai volunteers who are fluent in English and who have undergone rigorous training for a duration of 4-6 months before they are allowed to take calls. All volunteers are unpaid and required to be anonymous.

 

The majority of English speaking callers are male, and the problems most discussed are intercultural difficulties, family problems, and abandonment.

 

In recent weeks, Samaritans have observed an increasing number of Covid19-related calls, with most being concerned about the economic difficulty that follows the pandemic. A further spike in calls is expected in the next few weeks.

 

Through the partnership, Thaivisa aims to help grow and expand the emotional support services offered by Samaritans in Thailand through fundraising and publicity campaigns.

 

Trakarn Chensy, Chairman, The Samaritans of Thailand said:

 

“We feel very honoured to enter into a partnership with Thaivisa.com.  We hope that through this partnership, we will be able to reach out to more members of Thailand’s expatriate community who may be facing challenges in life and are in need of emotional support. If you find life difficult to cope and need someone to be alongside you as you go through any challenging moments, please call the Samaritans of Thailand’s English Helpline.  We want to reach out to you because we care."

 

Dan Cheeseman, Managing Director of Thaivisa said:

 

“At a time when we as expats are rightly self-isolating here in Thailand it can put enormous stress on us all mentally. Not only from the fear of becoming infected, but the uncertainty over when life as we know it can return to normal. At Thaivisa.com we want to do our very best to help and support the local expat community in this time of pandemic. Samaritans in Thailand are here to help anyone feeling low or depressed at the moment. We wish you and your families the very best during this tough period."

 

How to contact Samaritans in Thailand

 

English language: 02-713-6791

Thai language:  02-713-6793

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Samaritans.Thailand/

Website: http://www.samaritansthai.com/

 

How to support the Samaritans of Thailand

 

Samaritans are funded through donations and financing its operation in Thailand is a constant challenge.

 

Your donation will help to support Samaritans and enable them to continue to reach people who are struggling to cope. 

 

Donations can be made to:

 

Account name:  The Samaritans of Thailand

Bangkok Bank, Siam Paragon Branch, account number: 8550628666

 

Or via the QR code below

 

[kimamey]

I knew the Samaritans operated associated groups operated in many countries although often not using the Samaritans manner but I'd never heard of them in Thailand. I was a volunteer for the Sams in the UK many years ago and I think it's a great idea.

 

My only confusion is the fact that English language calls are made by Thais who are fluent in English. Whilst there's nothing wrong with that it seems to suggest that anyone who isn't Thai isn't welcome as a volunteer. If that's the case then that's totally at odds with the concept that I knew. 

[Uzbek]

Kimamey, I don’t think that’s what the article means to imply.  I’m sure they welcome non-Thai volunteers if they are available.

[deadbeat]

I called the english language number last year as I wanted to volunteer and help them out. I dont speak Thai but I thought there must be falangs who need this service. Recorded message saying they would get back to me. No reply, nothing, ??? 

[kimamey]

2 hours ago, Uzbek said:

Kimamey, I don’t think that’s what the article means to imply.  I’m sure they welcome non-Thai volunteers if they are available.

I certainly hope that's true but the way its worded its not the impression it gives unfortunately and that's the important part. 

 

Having said that maybe someone from ThaiVisa or Samaritans of Thailand will read this and clarify this issue. One of the problems that was always present during my time with the Samaritans was lack of volunteers. If Samaritans of Thailand need volunteers they need to make sure they are welcoming. 

 

[kimamey]

1 hour ago, deadbeat said:

I called the english language number last year as I wanted to volunteer and help them out. I dont speak Thai but I thought there must be falangs who need this service. Recorded message saying they would get back to me. No reply, nothing, ??? 

Well done for making the effort. If they do need help then hopefully they'll read this thread and reach out to those like you who are prepared to give their time.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Samaritans Thailand haven't got any foreign volunteers at the moment simply because there has been a shortage of foreign volunteers. But anyone is welcome to put themselves forward. I understand all volunteers go through training and assessment of about 6 months before they can take calls. 

 

I understand in the past there have been several foreign volunteers but they have since left Thailand.

 

For anyone who wishes to put them themselves forward as a volunteer, please PM your contact details and I will pass them on. 

[Redoubt]

Friends, I am so pleased to see an article like this during this world wide crisis.  As an Expat residing in a rural village in the Isaan Region, Sakon Nakhon Province, I did something a few days ago which certainly is an option all of us in like locations can consider.  I purchased 15 bags of rice at a Tesco Lotus store in Sawang Daen Din, and then I ascertained the single most destitute family in my village; which happened to also have several little children.  We arranged to give the father 5 bags; which overwhelmed him apparently.  Next we gave the village Head Man 5 bags requesting that the rice be distributed evenly to the most needy families he is aware of.  And, finally we delivered 5 bags to our local Wat for the Monks to discharge as they deemed necessary.  Doing this type of action is so important in times like this.

[kimamey]

1 hour ago, Redoubt said:

Friends, I am so pleased to see an article like this during this world wide crisis.  As an Expat residing in a rural village in the Isaan Region, Sakon Nakhon Province, I did something a few days ago which certainly is an option all of us in like locations can consider.  I purchased 15 bags of rice at a Tesco Lotus store in Sawang Daen Din, and then I ascertained the single most destitute family in my village; which happened to also have several little children.  We arranged to give the father 5 bags; which overwhelmed him apparently.  Next we gave the village Head Man 5 bags requesting that the rice be distributed evenly to the most needy families he is aware of.  And, finally we delivered 5 bags to our local Wat for the Monks to discharge as they deemed necessary.  Doing this type of action is so important in times like this.

Yes that's a great idea.  Thanks for sharing that. 

[kimamey]

3 hours ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

Samaritans Thailand haven't got any foreign volunteers at the moment simply because there has been a shortage of foreign volunteers. But anyone is welcome to put themselves forward. I understand all volunteers go through training and assessment of about 6 months before they can take calls. 

 

I understand in the past there have been several foreign volunteers but they have since left Thailand.

 

For anyone who wishes to put them themselves forward as a volunteer, please PM your contact details and I will pass them on. 

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure I could do it now unfortunately not least because I trend top be here slightly less than 6 months and even then it's often split so the training would be a problem to start with. I can't remember how long my training in the UK was but I'm sure it wasn't 6 months but then that was 20 years ago so maybe things have changed since then. Actually one of the things that sticks in my memory was the amazing training. 

[deadbeat]

So, Samaritans Thailand does'nt have any foriegn volunteers at the monent. Well why have'nt they asked for some? Are they content to leave it that way? Is this a Thai only service?  This has to be the only mental health hotline with a call back service that does'nt call back.

 

Thaivisa happy with this?

 

[Advocatus Diaboli]

So would you not require a visa for that. Unsure what type, and how many trees you would have to chop down to get it. Also how many days at the io to have it processed. And then what impact would it have on your current visa? ... Just a few thoughts to ponder. 

[faraday]

Worked with the Sams very many years ago in Oxford.

 

Used them a few times for personal issues. An excellent service, & I hope that Thaivisa put their hands in their pockets to extend & grow Samaritans Thailand.

[kimamey]

5 hours ago, Advocatus Diaboli said:

So would you not require a visa for that. Unsure what type, and how many trees you would have to chop down to get it. Also how many days at the io to have it processed. And then what impact would it have on your current visa? ... Just a few thoughts to ponder. 

A good point and one that unusually for me I hadn't thought about. I think you can get permission to do voluntary work although I've no idea how.

[Bender Rodriguez]

thai laws make it almost impossible to do something for others, for free, without getting into trouble yourself

 

except give money to monks, for karma

[ChipButty]

On 4/15/2020 at 8:58 AM, deadbeat said:

I called the english language number last year as I wanted to volunteer and help them out. I dont speak Thai but I thought there must be falangs who need this service. Recorded message saying they would get back to me. No reply, nothing, ??? 

Good job you wasn't feeling suicidal, I also tried that number for a friend and never got an answer

[Artisi]

So it would seem that the announcement put up by Thaivisa maybe incorrect regarding the English call back option. 

Never hurts to fully check out pre-prepared news releases supplied by others. 

[Nobbie49]

The appropriate visa AND Let's not forget the elephant in the middle of the room: work permits.  Yes they will need one

[StreetCowboy]

You might need a work permit for volunteer assistance like that.
It might be better to let them know you were available, and have an English-speaking Thai refer callers to you, than allowing your own number to be made widely available - maybe troublesome at the time of a Samaritans call!

 

Well done for volunteering!

 

SC

[dallen52]

I read this every time i open TVF. 

Certainly a needed service. 

But if you are phoning Samaritans or similar organisations, the last thing you want is to leave your number and wait for someone to hopefully call you back...

People in need of help or an ear to listen don't want a recording...

[A1Str8]

That's kind and selfless.

[dallen52]

You call them up and get put on hold.

Or a leave a message and We will get back to you soon.

Not how it's supposed to work. 

[flyingfox1]

On 4/14/2020 at 2:03 PM, kimamey said:

I knew the Samaritans operated associated groups operated in many countries although often not using the Samaritans manner but I'd never heard of them in Thailand. I was a volunteer for the Sams in the UK many years ago and I think it's a great idea.

 

My only confusion is the fact that English language calls are made by Thais who are fluent in English. Whilst there's nothing wrong with that it seems to suggest that anyone who isn't Thai isn't welcome as a volunteer. If that's the case then that's totally at odds with the concept that I knew. 

Yes it’s a great idea especially in Thailand as suicide up and up Virus none apparently but death will keep going up but not from corvid , starvation depression, desperation, all factors designed to take out the population as a bi product of virus fear 

[burgdawg]

[zim1982]

Finally something positive, worthwhile.

Good work.

[CharlieH]

I would have thought that if someone gets the courage to reach out and make that call in their moment of need of some kind of help the very last thing they want is to be put on hold or told of a "call back"

.

That type of call is deeply personal and probably very difficult to make and they may not want a " call back" and potentially have to explain to a spouse who is calling them and why ! 

 

Really sorry to read of the non return calls listed here.

[couchpotato]

35 minutes ago, blonko said:

Samaritans Thailand haven't got any unfamiliar volunteers right now essentially in light of the fact that there has been a deficiency of unfamiliar volunteers. Be that as it may, anybody is free to put themselves forward. I see all volunteers experience preparing and appraisal of around a half year before they can accept calls. 

I comprehend in the past there have been a few unfamiliar volunteers yet they have since left Thailand.

Pray tell me what are 'unfamiliar volunteers'.......

[Wongkitlo]

They should get rid of all the stuff about death on their webpage. It is as if they are encouraging suicide.

[Joop Wagoneer]

Having worked with the Samaritans before and still am friends with many members, this is a good move.

[Wongkitlo]

1 hour ago, Joop Wagoneer said:

Having worked with the Samaritans before and still am friends with many members, this is a good move.

I am on another Thailand page and a member posted on Xmas day he needed help. I gave him the number and chatted for a while. He sent me the next day to say they had not even called him back 24 hours later. I didn't want to tell him to go to the website because it is full of posts about death.