Beggars

[pokoal2000]

If you come to Thailand now, you will be impressed how nice it looks.Not many beggars, poor people on the street, don't see much poverty.OK.Great.Thailand found the solution.Pick the poor and the beggars and lock them up.They don't matter they are not very inteligent so they would not complain.And it will look good for the rich turists.There they are stripped of all they rights,locked behind the barrber wire and not allowed out.Good system?I have some experience how it works.Talked to ex teacher from Chang Mai who has been there for years and he has no chance ever to get out.

Women in charge likes to be called mother superior and can change the rules of the place at the whim.She really enjoys her job, she would have done well in Nazi Germany.If you fancy listen to my story

Couple months ago I have noticed a young woman in very bad state- very dirty and searching for food in the rubbish bags.I felt very sorry for her and since then I have been sort of looking after her.Every day I went to The Nonthanburi pier(where she slept on the bench)and I bought her food, clothes, etc.I got to know her quite well and she began to trust me.One day- about two weeks ago the situation got worse and she was being attacked by the other person living there.She was very frighten and I could not leave her there, so I took her to my apartment.She stayed for about a week, slowly getting better, more relaxed and happier.Had plenty to eat, enough sleep and did not have to worry about anything.Deep down she is very intelligent and clever girl, unfortunately had some bad experience and got a bit mixed up in her head.Sometime she believes her fantasy in her head really happened.. Last week unfortunately I had idea to get in touch with the Social Service.I thought that they could help her, maybe provide a a therapy for her.The lady from the Social Service assured me that she will not be locked up and she would get all the medical attention that she would need.So they took her away and later I have find out where she is I visited this place.I found out that she is locked away in Nonthaburi Reception home for Destitute.I had a lot of problems, trying to see her and when I finally managed - I was given 10 minutes with the presence of the guard who speaks English.I feel very angry about this situation,this girl is not a criminal, not harmed anybody, not a danger to the public and not certified insane.She is not allowed out, people can only visit her between 13.30 and 16.00 at weekdays.Not on the weekend (when most people are free to go). This can't be right, even according to Thai Constitution, you can not deprive a person of liberty, because it suits you and get the problem out of the open.Now the girl is in bad state, very confused, does not know why she is in prison.She is looked after by woman , who they call the mother Superior.This woman does not know anything about Pekhun, she referred to the girl - Oh the woman from Pattaya,(she has never been to Pattya) with big smirk on her face and told me that the girl want to stay there.I have since asked Pekhun if that is the true, but she said that she does not dare to say anything else.

I am sure that people in Thailand would be interested to know , how the less fortunate people are treated.

.I will make a full report to UN commision for Human Rights, and Amnesty International.I am sure they will be very interested.

If we don't help the less fortunate people, there is no hope for any of us.

Alex

Edited April 24, 2006 by pokoal2000

[jdinasia]

Psychiatric services in Thailand are pretty poor ... but you did describe a schizophrenic ... may suck big time .. but if she is getting food and a place to sleep ... sounds better than her space on the streets ... (she's probably not getting any real treatment ... but who knows)

Edited April 24, 2006 by jdinasia

[naka]

Have you considered adoption ?

Naka.

Edited April 24, 2006 by naka

[GuestHouse]

I will make a full report to UN commision for Human Rights, and Amnesty International.I am sure they will be very interested.

Not unless this place is off the beaten track... any excuse for a 4X4... No 4x4, no intrest.

[Thaising]

Why don’t you approach Paveena foundation for women who need assistance? Miss Paveena is an MP and is well know for helping those desperate. Her office is at Ram Intra Road somewhere near Central Department.

[OldAsiaHand]

....I will make a full report to UN commision for Human Rights, and Amnesty International.....

Well, jeez, then I'm sure that will get the buggers sorted out in no time.

[pokoal2000]

Why don’t you approach Paveena foundation for women who need assistance? Miss Paveena is an MP and is well know for helping those desperate. Her office is at Ram Intra Road somewhere near Central Department.

I will try that.Thanks

Alex

[pokoal2000]

Thanks for the advice , I will try few things.I feel a bit responsible really.I did contacted the Social Department and I got her inside.So I do want to help her to get out or all least have a freedom to do what she wants to do.One thing I have a problem to sort out.Maybe somebody can help. The place where she is held is run by : Bureau of Social Welfare Services, Department of Social Development and Welfare Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

Any idea what that is?What ministry?Cant find anything like that

Alex

[pokoal2000]

Why don’t you approach Paveena foundation for women who need assistance? Miss Paveena is an MP and is well know for helping those desperate. Her office is at Ram Intra Road somewhere near Central Department.

Would you know how to contact her?I have searched the Net and can't find contact.Thanks

[skylar]

Here's the site - not at all easy to find! Good luck.

http://www.pavena.thai.com/emain.html

[johna]

Let us know the outcome of this, If you are a man bringing a girl (street person) into your apartment sounds fraught with danger but I admire your willingness to help.

I doubt your report to the U.N. will be debated in the Security Council and Amnesty International may have a few more important things to do.

[Ulysses G.]

Amnesty International may have a few more important things to do.

I believe that they are working on getting Saddham Hussien his job back and getting Hamas their own spot in the UN.

[Sing_Sling]

How easy it is to make glib remarks, how very witty to throw in purportedly funny one-liners. Guilty as charged, I do the same at times.

This, however, is a very serious attempt by Axel to highlight a severe problem and to try o help out in some way.

Maybe, probably, it is a waste of time writing to Amnesty Inernational or the UN. just imagine if someone you know were in a situation as that highlighted. Would you not try anything to help?

There is a time and a place for comments like 'adoption' even when followed by three smilies just in case no-one understood the feeble attempt at humour. Maybe there are instances which deem a worthy and serious response.

Pavena Foundation for Children and Women

1047 - 51 Pon Luang Complex

Soi AmpornPhan 12, Moo 7

Phaholythin Road, Klong Tanon, BangKhen

Bangkok 10220

â·ÃÈѾ·ì 972-5489-90

email : [email protected]

[pokoal2000]

How easy it is to make glib remarks, how very witty to throw in purportedly funny one-liners. Guilty as charged, I do the same at times.

This, however, is a very serious attempt by Axel to highlight a severe problem and to try o help out in some way.

Maybe, probably, it is a waste of time writing to Amnesty Inernational or the UN. just imagine if someone you know were in a situation as that highlighted. Would you not try anything to help?

There is a time and a place for comments like 'adoption' even when followed by three smilies just in case no-one understood the feeble attempt at humour. Maybe there are instances which deem a worthy and serious response.

Pavena Foundation for Children and Women

1047 - 51 Pon Luang Complex

Soi AmpornPhan 12, Moo 7

Phaholythin Road, Klong Tanon, BangKhen

Bangkok 10220

â·ÃÈѾ·ì 972-5489-90

email : [email protected]

Thank you for understanding. Alex

[pokoal2000]

Let us know the outcome of this, If you are a man bringing a girl (street person) into your apartment sounds fraught with danger but I admire your willingness to help.

I doubt your report to the U.N. will be debated in the Security Council and Amnesty International may have a few more important things to do.

Thank you for understanding.I will inform the forum if anything happen and somebody will help

[Sing_Sling]

Let us know the outcome of this, If you are a man bringing a girl (street person) into your apartment sounds fraught with danger but I admire your willingness to help.

I doubt your report to the U.N. will be debated in the Security Council and Amnesty International may have a few more important things to do.

Thank you for understanding.I will inform the forum if anything happen and somebody will help

Axel, you have an astounding attitude -possibly you have not been in Asia very long, but good for you for not being jaded by it all.

One word of advice, however, don't get too personally involved, as in having anyone stay at your house or the like. this can easily be misconstrued or abused by those less scrupulous.

If it's a matter of shelter for a few days there are enough very cheap places you could place them.

[pokoal2000]

Let us know the outcome of this, If you are a man bringing a girl (street person) into your apartment sounds fraught with danger but I admire your willingness to help.

I doubt your report to the U.N. will be debated in the Security Council and Amnesty International may have a few more important things to do.

Thank you for understanding.I will inform the forum if anything happen and somebody will help

Axel, you have an astounding attitude -possibly you have not been in Asia very long, but good for you for not being jaded by it all.

One word of advice, however, don't get too personally involved, as in having anyone stay at your house or the like. this can easily be misconstrued or abused by those less scrupulous.

If it's a matter of shelter for a few days there are enough very cheap places you could place them.

Yes mate, I know the risks involved, I have spend many years travelling around the World and I am not a youngster.It just makes me mad to see something like this blatant missuse of peoples rights.I know what some of the people think, to tell you the truth I could not care less.If I can help this unfortunate girl or anybody else, its worth the risk.

Alex

[pokoal2000]

Hi Its me again- just to keep you up the date with my little saga.I have done all you suggested, lets hope something will happen.Today I visited Pigun and she was a bit down and upset.Last time she asked me to bring her some tobaco.I did and it was confiscated straight away.I bought her little radio, because she loves music that that was confiscated by the staff as well.It seems to be that she has less rights then inmate of the high security prison.Staff told me that I am only allowed to visit her once a week, but sod that, I will be going again tomorow, see what happen.She asked me to bring her a toothpaste, see if that is confiscated.I keep you updated.Some people seems to be interested.Thank you

Alex

[MarkBKK]

Yes mate, I know the risks involved, I have spend many years travelling around the World and I am not a youngster.It just makes me mad to see something like this blatant missuse of peoples rights.I know what some of the people think, to tell you the truth I could not care less.If I can help this unfortunate girl or anybody else, its worth the risk.

Alex

Nice to see someone who cares. Some of us do a little (too little, yes, I'm only speaking for myself, no, I'm not criticising anyone).

But there's something missing. Something you see all over Thai Visa.

Where are all the upright members who usually jump up at any excuse and say things like ''How dare you criticise anything at all about Thailand! Why don't you go home if you don't like it! You're not in the West now, sonny. It's their country and it's perfect in every respect and you're not Thai so don't you dare suggest it could be better, you don't have the right to breathe the air ... etc., etc., etc.''

[ace]

It's a good thing you're doing, and I don't usually like to rain on anyone's parade, but be careful, both for yourself, and more importantly, her.

Ask yourself, would you do the same for a bloke? How well do you know her? And what will you do if you get her out? I suspect that the authorities would let her out if you were to follow the correct channels (whatever they may be). She would then be your responsibility. Are you ready for that?

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.

All the best,

Ace

[pokoal2000]

I know what you all saying.I tell you something about myself and why I am interested in this girl.Few people have a wrong idea, but I don't really care and I am not that way inclined.I am an old man, spend seven years travelling with a backpack all around the World.I spend time in India and Pakistan and I know that beggars are a fairly normal way in Asia.If you have time, I will explain.I was sitting at Nonthanburi pier watching the World go by and I noticed this person, covered in dirt, serching rubbish bins for food. you could not tell if it is female or male.I have asked the local people who that is and was told that it is a girl, but nobody talks to her, because she is mad,dirty and dark skin.I started watching her , she looked like frighted wild animal.She never approached people, never begged for anything and she cried a lot.I slowly get to know her, gained her trust, bought her new clothes and made her to wash and went to the pier every day and feed her.She is very inteligent person, speaks basic English, write poetry and read.I bought her Harry Potter book and she read half way through , then it was stolen from her.I have no interest in this girl, other than to help her.I had interesting life, this girl is probbably about 20-25 years old and should be starting in life.Who will help her.?Absolute nobody.I have been in touch with Christian organisation, Red Cross , local Wat, but nobody is interested.I don't care what colour, or religion or race the person is and I made my mind to do anything I can.She must have gone through some very traumatic experience(she would not talk about it), she is not insane, just a bit mixed up in her head.While she stayed with me she was getting better every day, her bad moods were getting shorter all the time and stoped crying.Then I had the fatal mistake and contacted the Goverment organisation.Anyway you know the rest.At the moment I don't know what else to do, nobody seems to be able to help, but I will try to think of something else.I know I am making waves and upseting few people, maybe they will refuse my visa extension next time, but if I could do anything to make life easier for her and maybe few more people in the wake, it would be all worth while.

I will inform you of futher development.Its nice to talk to people who are interested.

Alex

[Axel]

Nice to care but give credit to

Alex

he's the guy who does it.

[pokoal2000]

It's a good thing you're doing, and I don't usually like to rain on anyone's parade, but be careful, both for yourself, and more importantly, her.

Ask yourself, would you do the same for a bloke? How well do you know her? And what will you do if you get her out? I suspect that the authorities would let her out if you were to follow the correct channels (whatever they may be). She would then be your responsibility. Are you ready for that?

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.

All the best,

Ace

I know what you saying.I am really just trying to fight for her- to be able to make her own mind what she wants(she is capable).And yes I would do exacly same for a bloke in that situation.To tell you the truth I was not sure if that was a bloke or girl for while.

[Jai Yen Yen]

I know what you saying.I am really just trying to fight for her- to be able to make her own mind what she wants(she is capable).And yes I would do exacly same for a bloke in that situation.To tell you the truth I was not sure if that was a bloke or girl for while.

Just keep telling yourself "this is Thailand". It's not the West or any developed country with a working welfare state. And don't get personally involved - it'll cost you more than mere money if you do.

[thai3]

Ace

I know what you saying.I am really just trying to fight for her- to be able to make her own mind what she wants(she is capable).And yes I would do exacly same for a bloke in that situation.To tell you the truth I was not sure if that was a bloke or girl for while.

Did you mange to find out anything about her family, and did you contact them if you did?

[jdinasia]

you described a person that believes in things that are not real ... would seem unlikely she can make up her own mind

you are describing a sad sad situation ... but the reality of psychiatric treatment here is almost non-existant ...

hope she does ok !

[Thaising]

Alex, It seem that she must have faced some bad experience, which has traumatized her life. Don't waste your time posting, just contact pavena foundation for their advice.

Contacts :

Pavena Foundation for Children and Women

1047 - 51 Pon Luang Complex

Soi AmpornPhan 12, Moo 7

Phaholythin Road, Klong Tanon, BangKhen

Bangkok 10220

Tel : 972-5489-90

email : [email protected]

[phibunmike]

Alex, It seem that she must have faced some bad experience, which has traumatized her life. Don't waste your time posting, just contact pavena foundation for their advice.

Alex, you are a breath of fresh air in a world which becomes increasingly cynical and where too many of us find it too easy, too often, to look the other way.

Good luck in your quest for a better life for this poor girl.

Thaising, your information will help Alex I am sure, but I would be interested to know the outcome, so hopefully Alex will continue to post on this; fortunately, no flames (yet)

[Thaising]

Alex, It seem that she must have faced some bad experience, which has traumatized her life. Don't waste your time posting, just contact pavena foundation for their advice.

Alex, you are a breath of fresh air in a world which becomes increasingly cynical and where too many of us find it too easy, too often, to look the other way.

Good luck in your quest for a better life for this poor girl.

Thaising, your information will help Alex I am sure, but I would be interested to know the outcome, so hopefully Alex will continue to post on this; fortunately, no flames (yet)

Phibunmike, I agreed with you that Alex should keep us update on his latest development. What I mean on my reply for Alex is first approach and seeks the local aid organization for first hand assistance, instead of posting which may lead him nowhere.

Good Samaritan will never lost his/her way. Good Luck Alex.

Edited April 25, 2006 by Thaising

[pokoal2000]

Thank you all for your support.I am not giving up yet and I will let you know

Alex