Homeless Swede found on Bangkok street

[mortenaa]

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And this was posted on the news or by you on a LINK here?

I saw on the News "No Family!".

When someone decides to help out a guy, you should at least do some research about his background story. This is what we did. He has been previously married.

I don't have time to research every drunken bum that walks ours streets here. Besides all that, when you make a post here, expecting other people to believe you, it is also your responsibility to show some proof, and not for us to go around checking if you are a liar or not.

But on this occasion let me take you on just your words. That I will agreed with you when you said this 45 years old and was married and has 2 kids. Should this change my feelings about the whole thing? In a way it does, but not in your favor. After pissing up all his money here or losing to some woman younger woman with big promises, what does he have left to give his kids. What has he given them in the past for support? It is better for me to think he had no family!

There are many alcoholics who live out productive lives. Only a very few small percentage end up on the streets. There are also many people suffering through severe depression and also live productive lives and don't resort to living on the street either. Many a time I have seen a man in a wheelchair here, with no legs, who is well dressed, clean shaven, and seems to get by fine, and is not sleeping in some dirty corner somewhere.

As one poster already mentioned, the last thing he needs, if he is depressed, is alcohol! I don't doubt for a second that many times in this mans life someone tried to help him and to stop drinking. Perhaps his wife! Or his parents! His brother or sister! His Boss! And now people like you! Knowing even right now you are not going to make a difference.

You and your friends can keep throwing money at him until one day you to realize it is useless. For a person who is in this way, yet refuses help, except financial to get drunk again, and refuses to help himself, in my book is useless to any society. He is the one who needs to change. Not Us!

I wish him well, and hope he gets well soon, but I will not bet even one Baht that he will.

His health condition is pretty bad, with internal infections. Tomorrow he is off. And can start treatment in Sweden on Tuersday. We believe that we have saved a mans life, and he is super happy about it

Im going to have dinner with him now.

Thanks for all the support and kind of words you guys. You are the best!

[Local Drunk]

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And this was posted on the news or by you on a LINK here?

I saw on the News "No Family!".

When someone decides to help out a guy, you should at least do some research about his background story. This is what we did. He has been previously married.

I don't have time to research every drunken bum that walks ours streets here. Besides all that, when you make a post here, expecting other people to believe you, it is also your responsibility to show some proof, and not for us to go around checking if you are a liar or not.

But on this occasion let me take you on just your words. That I will agreed with you when you said this 45 years old and was married and has 2 kids. Should this change my feelings about the whole thing? In a way it does, but not in your favor. After pissing up all his money here or losing to some woman younger woman with big promises, what does he have left to give his kids. What has he given them in the past for support? It is better for me to think he had no family!

There are many alcoholics who live out productive lives. Only a very few small percentage end up on the streets. There are also many people suffering through severe depression and also live productive lives and don't resort to living on the street either. Many a time I have seen a man in a wheelchair here, with no legs, who is well dressed, clean shaven, and seems to get by fine, and is not sleeping in some dirty corner somewhere.

As one poster already mentioned, the last thing he needs, if he is depressed, is alcohol! I don't doubt for a second that many times in this mans life someone tried to help him and to stop drinking. Perhaps his wife! Or his parents! His brother or sister! His Boss! And now people like you! Knowing even right now you are not going to make a difference.

You and your friends can keep throwing money at him until one day you to realize it is useless. For a person who is in this way, yet refuses help, except financial to get drunk again, and refuses to help himself, in my book is useless to any society. He is the one who needs to change. Not Us!

I wish him well, and hope he gets well soon, but I will not bet even one Baht that he will.

His health condition is pretty bad, with internal infections. Tomorrow he is off. And can start treatment in Sweden on Tuersday. We believe that we have saved a mans life, and he is super happy about it

Im going to have dinner with him now.

Thanks for all the support and kind of words you guys. You are the best!

Who's paying for the dinner?

[larsjohnsson]

If this man is sent back to Sweden and his passport is removed he can still travel. Under the Schengen rules he can travel and live in a warm country like Spain or Italy. Whats more he can also receive welfare money from Social Services which he cannot receive in Thailand. Social Services are very generous in Sweden so he will never be penniless.

They can't take his passport. And only people that never have stayed in Sweden repeat over and over again here about the generous Swedish social service.

Maybe they cant take his passport but I think they should take it because he seems unable to use it responsibly. As for Swedish Försäkringskassa (Social Sevices) they are exceptionally generous compared to others in Europe. Oh and also Jag har bott i Sverige i många år.

The Swedish Försäkringskassa has nothing to do with this. And they will not give him 1 baht. They will not be involved in this

i agree they will not help him while he is here in Thailand. But when he returns they will start giving him generous welfare payments. My point was that if he wants a warm climate he can travel to Spain or Italy and continue to receive these generous payments as he has not left the EU. That way he doesn't need to be penniless again which he would be if he returns here.

I don't belive you are Swedish. Försäkringskassan has nothing to do with this kind of things inside or outside of Sweden. It's Socialförvaltningen/Socialtjänsten that do this kind of things

[silomplaya]

If this man is sent back to Sweden and his passport is removed he can still travel. Under the Schengen rules he can travel and live in a warm country like Spain or Italy. Whats more he can also receive welfare money from Social Services which he cannot receive in Thailand. Social Services are very generous in Sweden so he will never be penniless.

They can't take his passport. And only people that never have stayed in Sweden repeat over and over again here about the generous Swedish social service.

Maybe they cant take his passport but I think they should take it because he seems unable to use it responsibly. As for Swedish Försäkringskassa (Social Sevices) they are exceptionally generous compared to others in Europe. Oh and also Jag har bott i Sverige i många år.

The Swedish Försäkringskassa has nothing to do with this. And they will not give him 1 baht. They will not be involved in this

i agree they will not help him while he is here in Thailand. But when he returns they will start giving him generous welfare payments. My point was that if he wants a warm climate he can travel to Spain or Italy and continue to receive these generous payments as he has not left the EU. That way he doesn't need to be penniless again which he would be if he returns here.

I don't belive you are Swedish. Försäkringskassan has nothing to do with this kind of things inside or outside of Sweden. It's Socialförvaltningen/Socialtjänsten that do this kind of things

Swedish gov will spend 1000s of dollers per day detaining ,proccessing and housing illegals and refugees but wont help a man born in sweden stranded miles away,

[96tehtarp]

Swedish gov will spend 1000s of dollers per day detaining ,proccessing and housing illegals and refugees but wont help a man born in sweden stranded miles away,

They do can and will. They recently paid to fly a casual acquaintance of mine home to Sweden who was stranded and locked up in IDC. It depends on the circumstances of the case. In this case he was epileptic and his sole relative was a social welfare recipient and unable to provide financial assistance for the flight.

In the case of the Swedish man in the OP there must be extenuating circumstances which prevent the Swedish government from assisting this individual. This is understandable as the man in the OP is on the street by choice.

[Dumu Ali]

Swedish Pitymonger looses money to red light life and then begs outside the brothels, Hollywood could make a movie about this "Swedes in Bangkok" , "Swedish Sweetie turns Sour" or maybe "One Swede in Bangkok" many people are dashing him money in the early hours of the morning and he is already becoming a celebrity in his own way so much for the Scavenging Swede Scammed by Streetmeat. He would be too shy to beg in his home country but in an asian den of erotic temptations he gave in and sold his soul

[GOLDBUGGY]

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And this was posted on the news or by you on a LINK here?

I saw on the News "No Family!".

When someone decides to help out a guy, you should at least do some research about his background story. This is what we did. He has been previously married.

I don't have time to research every drunken bum that walks ours streets here. Besides all that, when you make a post here, expecting other people to believe you, it is also your responsibility to show some proof, and not for us to go around checking if you are a liar or not.

But on this occasion let me take you on just your words. That I will agreed with you when you said this 45 years old and was married and has 2 kids. Should this change my feelings about the whole thing? In a way it does, but not in your favor. After pissing up all his money here or losing to some woman younger woman with big promises, what does he have left to give his kids. What has he given them in the past for support? It is better for me to think he had no family!

There are many alcoholics who live out productive lives. Only a very few small percentage end up on the streets. There are also many people suffering through severe depression and also live productive lives and don't resort to living on the street either. Many a time I have seen a man in a wheelchair here, with no legs, who is well dressed, clean shaven, and seems to get by fine, and is not sleeping in some dirty corner somewhere.

As one poster already mentioned, the last thing he needs, if he is depressed, is alcohol! I don't doubt for a second that many times in this mans life someone tried to help him and to stop drinking. Perhaps his wife! Or his parents! His brother or sister! His Boss! And now people like you! Knowing even right now you are not going to make a difference.

You and your friends can keep throwing money at him until one day you to realize it is useless. For a person who is in this way, yet refuses help, except financial to get drunk again, and refuses to help himself, in my book is useless to any society. He is the one who needs to change. Not Us!

I wish him well, and hope he gets well soon, but I will not bet even one Baht that he will.

His health condition is pretty bad, with internal infections. Tomorrow he is off. And can start treatment in Sweden on Tuersday. We believe that we have saved a mans life, and he is super happy about it

Im going to have dinner with him now.

Thanks for all the support and kind of words you guys. You are the best!

Maybe you did save his life? Or more likely for sure extended it. But you still don't get it or understand it.

The only person who can save his life is Him! For Him, to Drink is to Die! So the first thing he needs to do is to stop drinking!

If he is not ready for treatment then you are only delaying the inevitable. He will use this Treatment Centre, and I mean use to his advantage, as a good place to recuperate from his present medical condition. No Alcohol! Nice clean room and bed to sleep in! Good Food! Medication and Nursing Staff 24/7! Getting a Good Rest! He will feel better than he has in years!

But that only works for 2 or 3 weeks he is their when he is being watched and supervised 24/7. It is what he does with the rest of his life, after he gets out, that counts the most.

Yes! You may have saved his life! But as a betting man I would say you have a greater chance of buying him a Beer here come New Years Day, and another airplane fare home later, then doing that.

Time will tell!

[Lakegeneve]

I wanted to provide some further info to provide an update having contacted the member above and spoken to a Swede who helped the man. I actually also briefly met the man as well before he departed.

Firstly, as advised by the mortenaa, the man in question departed Bangkok Wed morning and was admitted to hospital for medical treatment upon arrival in stockholm.

I understand that he'll being seeking the help of social welfare (whatever the exact name is - see above posts) and seeking emergency housing while he slowly gets his life back together. His trip back (and overstay) was paid for by a few scandanavians (mainly one swede who is fully fluent in thai, has lived and worked here for a while and sought the guy out on the weekend) and germans, and some thais who donated money- no organisations provided funds.

The Swedish embassy provide no funds but did provide an escort to the airport and through immigration given the overstay issue. Interestingly, the swede who helped the guy stated that there were many thais along sukhumvit who knew the guy and actively went out of their way to help him both while he was homeless and when the swede was looking for him. (Though apparently he was also robbed a few times while living on the streets and once beaten up badly by 5 young thais guys)

Some more background of the industrial accident

He suffered more significant injuries in the industrial accident in Sept 2008 than mortenaa disclosed in the previous post answering my query. It appears that whilst welding in a silo type metal structure used for storage the structure was contained liquid which contained lye - this was not disclosed to him. He apparently became trapped in this liquid up to waist level (he was not wearing protective gear) for a period of time (30 mins+) and could not exit, he passed out before being rescued. He suffered significant acid burns to his legs, primarily one leg below the knee. It also caused some injury to internal organs such that he apparently requires the assistance of a tube to urinate.

Obviously, this was a significant incident causing life changing injuries.

He states that he was hospitalised for a couple of months (the scando article linked above says 1 month), spent a few months in a wheelchair and the following year learning to properly walk again. He was not eligible for unemployment benefits at the time (which the article states) of his recovery so obviously his earning capacity was diminished. The injuries and recovery process - he was in apparent pain for some time - obviously had a significant impact on his life and eventually lead to a relationship breakdown and divorce. (When I met him he made a big thing about recovering before he departed a photo of his children that he had given to a cafe owner to ensure safe keeping given that some of his possessions were being stolen)

Subsequently, the company was convicted of OH&S laws in 2010. Some 2-3 years after the accident he received a compensation payout after civil proceedings but that was not above a 6 figure sum ($US) according to him.

None of this, if all true, seems that easy to me. I think that most people could empathise with someone having a tough time after suffering significant life long injuries from an industrial accident and a subsequent divorce. How many middle aged men have experienced that challenge in their life?

I thought that it was important to expand a bit on the injuries as there was previously not much info. Given some of the usual comments based on ignorance and the fact that a two people can't even read press reports (which didn't even interview the guy) it seemed some expanded background info was required. Some people seem to read one thing, take it as fact and then conflate it with something so that it ends up meaning something completely different.

What he does with his life from here is his choice and he obviously has much to deal with. I don't doubt that it will be very difficult back home given his injuries and circumstances and no doubt like all of us he'll make some mistakes. However, he appeared to me to be genuinely grateful that there are still those willing to take some time to show some compassion and assist others in need and not leap to prejudiced judgement.

Edited August 29, 2014 by Lakegeneve

[96tehtarp]

I wanted to provide some further info to provide an update having contacted the member above and spoken to a Swede who helped the man. I actually also briefly met the man as well before he departed. <rest snipped>

Thank you very much for your update. Hopefully this unfortunate man will never again be living on the street in Bangkok.

[robertthebruce]

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And this was posted on the news or by you on a LINK here?

I saw on the News "No Family!".

When someone decides to help out a guy, you should at least do some research about his background story. This is what we did. He has been previously married.

I don't have time to research every drunken bum that walks ours streets here. Besides all that, when you make a post here, expecting other people to believe you, it is also your responsibility to show some proof, and not for us to go around checking if you are a liar or not.

But on this occasion let me take you on just your words. That I will agreed with you when you said this 45 years old and was married and has 2 kids. Should this change my feelings about the whole thing? In a way it does, but not in your favor. After pissing up all his money here or losing to some woman younger woman with big promises, what does he have left to give his kids. What has he given them in the past for support? It is better for me to think he had no family!

There are many alcoholics who live out productive lives. Only a very few small percentage end up on the streets. There are also many people suffering through severe depression and also live productive lives and don't resort to living on the street either. Many a time I have seen a man in a wheelchair here, with no legs, who is well dressed, clean shaven, and seems to get by fine, and is not sleeping in some dirty corner somewhere.

As one poster already mentioned, the last thing he needs, if he is depressed, is alcohol! I don't doubt for a second that many times in this mans life someone tried to help him and to stop drinking. Perhaps his wife! Or his parents! His brother or sister! His Boss! And now people like you! Knowing even right now you are not going to make a difference.

You and your friends can keep throwing money at him until one day you to realize it is useless. For a person who is in this way, yet refuses help, except financial to get drunk again, and refuses to help himself, in my book is useless to any society. He is the one who needs to change. Not Us!

I wish him well, and hope he gets well soon, but I will not bet even one Baht that he will.

His health condition is pretty bad, with internal infections. Tomorrow he is off. And can start treatment in Sweden on Tuersday. We believe that we have saved a mans life, and he is super happy about it

Im going to have dinner with him now.

Thanks for all the support and kind of words you guys. You are the best!

Well done, kind of you to do what you did, I hope it works out for him...

[robertthebruce]

I wanted to provide some further info to provide an update having contacted the member above and spoken to a Swede who helped the man. I actually also briefly met the man as well before he departed.

Firstly, as advised by the mortenaa, the man in question departed Bangkok Wed morning and was admitted to hospital for medical treatment upon arrival in stockholm.

I understand that he'll being seeking the help of social welfare (whatever the exact name is - see above posts) and seeking emergency housing while he slowly gets his life back together. His trip back (and overstay) was paid for by a few scandanavians (mainly one swede who is fully fluent in thai, has lived and worked here for a while and sought the guy out on the weekend) and germans, and some thais who donated money- no organisations provided funds.

The Swedish embassy provide no funds but did provide an escort to the airport and through immigration given the overstay issue. Interestingly, the swede who helped the guy stated that there were many thais along sukhumvit who knew the guy and actively went out of their way to help him both while he was homeless and when the swede was looking for him. (Though apparently he was also robbed a few times while living on the streets and once beaten up badly by 5 young thais guys)

Some more background of the industrial accident

He suffered more significant injuries in the industrial accident in Sept 2008 than mortenaa disclosed in the previous post answering my query. It appears that whilst welding in a silo type metal structure used for storage the structure was contained liquid which contained lye - this was not disclosed to him. He apparently became trapped in this liquid up to waist level (he was not wearing protective gear) for a period of time (30 mins+) and could not exit, he passed out before being rescued. He suffered significant acid burns to his legs, primarily one leg below the knee. It also caused some injury to internal organs such that he apparently requires the assistance of a tube to urinate.

Obviously, this was a significant incident causing life changing injuries.

He states that he was hospitalised for a couple of months (the scando article linked above says 1 month), spent a few months in a wheelchair and the following year learning to properly walk again. He was not eligible for unemployment benefits at the time (which the article states) of his recovery so obviously his earning capacity was diminished. The injuries and recovery process - he was in apparent pain for some time - obviously had a significant impact on his life and eventually lead to a relationship breakdown and divorce. (When I met him he made a big thing about recovering before he departed a photo of his children that he had given to a cafe owner to ensure safe keeping given that some of his possessions were being stolen)

Subsequently, the company was convicted of OH&S laws in 2010. Some 2-3 years after the accident he received a compensation payout after civil proceedings but that was not above a 6 figure sum ($US) according to him.

None of this, if all true, seems that easy to me. I think that most people could empathise with someone having a tough time after suffering significant life long injuries from an industrial accident and a subsequent divorce. How many middle aged men have experienced that challenge in their life?

I thought that it was important to expand a bit on the injuries as there was previously not much info. Given some of the usual comments based on ignorance and the fact that a two people can't even read press reports (which didn't even interview the guy) it seemed some expanded background info was required. Some people seem to read one thing, take it as fact and then conflate it with something so that it ends up meaning something completely different.

What he does with his life from here is his choice and he obviously has much to deal with. I don't doubt that it will be very difficult back home given his injuries and circumstances and no doubt like all of us he'll make some mistakes. However, he appeared to me to be genuinely grateful that there are still those willing to take some time to show some compassion and assist others in need and not leap to prejudiced judgement.

Thanks for that, and Simply Amazing the people who helped him financially and morally , well done, glad to see that there is some nice people out there.

[intel4004]

What he does with his life from here is his choice and he obviously has much to deal with. I don't doubt that it will be very difficult back home given his injuries and circumstances and no doubt like all of us he'll make some mistakes. However, he appeared to me to be genuinely grateful that there are still those willing to take some time to show some compassion and assist others in need and not leap to prejudiced judgement.

That's made my day! I am so pleased that he is getting back on his feet and will hopefully have continuing support back home. We all make mistakes, sometimes terrible ones but compassion and forgiveness is key.

Well done to all those who helped

[jacky54]

Plenty of Thai somewhat more deserving though, nobody forced him to come here did they

[bangkoklasse]

Plenty of Thai somewhat more deserving though, nobody forced him to come here did they

And he have been coming here 3 times since November. After buying all those expensive tickets he like to have one free....................

[slipperylobster]

Homeless men are indeed found on the street.

[Lakegeneve]

Plenty of Thai somewhat more deserving though, nobody forced him to come here did they

And he have been coming here 3 times since November. After buying all those expensive tickets he like to have one free....................

Your ignorant cynicism is not surprising given your previous posts where you posted false allegations.

It really is amazing that after making some foolish false statements, you still feel the need to be so mean spirited about something you obviously no nothing about......what really is the motivation I wonder? Can't you at least begrudgingly be happy that someone who no doubt made some mistakes has a another chance rather than potentially dying on the streets in a foreign land?

I'm still waiting for you to reply to post #207 which highlights the fact that you can't read information correctly let alone be accurate when referring to it. You were invited to respond but have avoided doing so. Someone with a degree of credibility would at least acknowledge their obvious mistake but instead you continue with more uninformed cynicism.

[jacky54]

Plenty of Thai somewhat more deserving though, nobody forced him to come here did they

And he have been coming here 3 times since November. After buying all those expensive tickets he like to have one free....................

Your ignorant cynicism is not surprising given your previous posts where you posted false allegations.

It really is amazing that after making some foolish false statements, you still feel the need to be so mean spirited about something you obviously no nothing about......what really is the motivation I wonder? Can't you at least begrudgingly be happy that someone who no doubt made some mistakes has a another chance rather than potentially dying on the streets in a foreign land?

I'm still waiting for you to reply to post #207 which highlights the fact that you can't read information correctly let alone be accurate when referring to it. You were invited to respond but have avoided doing so. Someone with a degree of credibility would at least acknowledge their obvious mistake but instead you continue with more uninformed cynicism.

Are you referring to bangkoklasse?

Edited August 29, 2014 by jacky54

[GOLDBUGGY]

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I wanted to provide some further info to provide an update having contacted the member above and spoken to a Swede who helped the man. I actually also briefly met the man as well before he departed.

Firstly, as advised by the mortenaa, the man in question departed Bangkok Wed morning and was admitted to hospital for medical treatment upon arrival in stockholm.

I understand that he'll being seeking the help of social welfare (whatever the exact name is - see above posts) and seeking emergency housing while he slowly gets his life back together. His trip back (and overstay) was paid for by a few scandanavians (mainly one swede who is fully fluent in thai, has lived and worked here for a while and sought the guy out on the weekend) and germans, and some thais who donated money- no organisations provided funds.

The Swedish embassy provide no funds but did provide an escort to the airport and through immigration given the overstay issue. Interestingly, the swede who helped the guy stated that there were many thais along sukhumvit who knew the guy and actively went out of their way to help him both while he was homeless and when the swede was looking for him. (Though apparently he was also robbed a few times while living on the streets and once beaten up badly by 5 young thais guys)

Some more background of the industrial accident

He suffered more significant injuries in the industrial accident in Sept 2008 than mortenaa disclosed in the previous post answering my query. It appears that whilst welding in a silo type metal structure used for storage the structure was contained liquid which contained lye - this was not disclosed to him. He apparently became trapped in this liquid up to waist level (he was not wearing protective gear) for a period of time (30 mins+) and could not exit, he passed out before being rescued. He suffered significant acid burns to his legs, primarily one leg below the knee. It also caused some injury to internal organs such that he apparently requires the assistance of a tube to urinate.

Obviously, this was a significant incident causing life changing injuries.

He states that he was hospitalised for a couple of months (the scando article linked above says 1 month), spent a few months in a wheelchair and the following year learning to properly walk again. He was not eligible for unemployment benefits at the time (which the article states) of his recovery so obviously his earning capacity was diminished. The injuries and recovery process - he was in apparent pain for some time - obviously had a significant impact on his life and eventually lead to a relationship breakdown and divorce. (When I met him he made a big thing about recovering before he departed a photo of his children that he had given to a cafe owner to ensure safe keeping given that some of his possessions were being stolen)

Subsequently, the company was convicted of OH&S laws in 2010. Some 2-3 years after the accident he received a compensation payout after civil proceedings but that was not above a 6 figure sum ($US) according to him.

None of this, if all true, seems that easy to me. I think that most people could empathise with someone having a tough time after suffering significant life long injuries from an industrial accident and a subsequent divorce. How many middle aged men have experienced that challenge in their life?

I thought that it was important to expand a bit on the injuries as there was previously not much info. Given some of the usual comments based on ignorance and the fact that a two people can't even read press reports (which didn't even interview the guy) it seemed some expanded background info was required. Some people seem to read one thing, take it as fact and then conflate it with something so that it ends up meaning something completely different.

What he does with his life from here is his choice and he obviously has much to deal with. I don't doubt that it will be very difficult back home given his injuries and circumstances and no doubt like all of us he'll make some mistakes. However, he appeared to me to be genuinely grateful that there are still those willing to take some time to show some compassion and assist others in need and not leap to prejudiced judgement.

Thank you for the update. But I am sorry as I still see many holes in this story as well.

First you say he was hurt at work by welding inside of a tank that was not cleared of chemicals. Yet earlier someone said he was a Chef. So what was he? A Chef had no business in a tank welding, unless in Sweden you need to be able to get a Mig Welding Certificate before you are allowed to cook. If he was a Welder he would know by law that when entering a tank to weld he must have a helper (safety watch) to watch him at all times. So he either broke the law, or was not a qualified welder and should never had been in their in the first place. Especially by himself. So sadly, he was partly to blame for his accident even though the company did get convicted by OH&S. .

Next you say, or made us think, that during his recovery period of 3 years he was left without any income as he did not qualify for Unemployment Benefits. Which the only reason why he was not that I know of is because he did not work long enough to earn that. But having said that, he would have been covered under the Swedish Government Workman Compensation Plan as he was injured at work.

This pays better than Unemployment Benefits and it is for life if need be. For sure he would have been paid during all of his Recovery Time and until it was proven he can work again in the same job capacity as before. All treatment and associated expenses would have been cover by them. So I don't believe that part of your (or His) story either. He was not thrown out to the Wolves, as you claim.

Next you say that in 2010 he received some money from this accident. All we know is that you said it was not above a 6 Figure Sum, so had to have been under 1 Million Dollars, as a Million is above 6 figures. So to take the middle of the road guess, you might think he got at least $500,000 in 2010. That sure is a lot of money to go through in just 4 years living here. Especially if he was still being paid by Workman's Compensation for his injuries while staying here.

Regardless of the outcome, it was still a very noble thing you and your companions did for this man. I hope it was not for nothing and he will prove me wrong one day.

.

[khunerik]

I wanted to provide some further info to provide an update having contacted the member above and spoken to a Swede who helped the man. I actually also briefly met the man as well before he departed.

Firstly, as advised by the mortenaa, the man in question departed Bangkok Wed morning and was admitted to hospital for medical treatment upon arrival in stockholm.

I understand that he'll being seeking the help of social welfare (whatever the exact name is - see above posts) and seeking emergency housing while he slowly gets his life back together. His trip back (and overstay) was paid for by a few scandanavians (mainly one swede who is fully fluent in thai, has lived and worked here for a while and sought the guy out on the weekend) and germans, and some thais who donated money- no organisations provided funds.

The Swedish embassy provide no funds but did provide an escort to the airport and through immigration given the overstay issue. Interestingly, the swede who helped the guy stated that there were many thais along sukhumvit who knew the guy and actively went out of their way to help him both while he was homeless and when the swede was looking for him. (Though apparently he was also robbed a few times while living on the streets and once beaten up badly by 5 young thais guys)

Some more background of the industrial accident

He suffered more significant injuries in the industrial accident in Sept 2008 than mortenaa disclosed in the previous post answering my query. It appears that whilst welding in a silo type metal structure used for storage the structure was contained liquid which contained lye - this was not disclosed to him. He apparently became trapped in this liquid up to waist level (he was not wearing protective gear) for a period of time (30 mins+) and could not exit, he passed out before being rescued. He suffered significant acid burns to his legs, primarily one leg below the knee. It also caused some injury to internal organs such that he apparently requires the assistance of a tube to urinate.

Obviously, this was a significant incident causing life changing injuries.

He states that he was hospitalised for a couple of months (the scando article linked above says 1 month), spent a few months in a wheelchair and the following year learning to properly walk again. He was not eligible for unemployment benefits at the time (which the article states) of his recovery so obviously his earning capacity was diminished. The injuries and recovery process - he was in apparent pain for some time - obviously had a significant impact on his life and eventually lead to a relationship breakdown and divorce. (When I met him he made a big thing about recovering before he departed a photo of his children that he had given to a cafe owner to ensure safe keeping given that some of his possessions were being stolen)

Subsequently, the company was convicted of OH&S laws in 2010. Some 2-3 years after the accident he received a compensation payout after civil proceedings but that was not above a 6 figure sum ($US) according to him.

None of this, if all true, seems that easy to me. I think that most people could empathise with someone having a tough time after suffering significant life long injuries from an industrial accident and a subsequent divorce. How many middle aged men have experienced that challenge in their life?

I thought that it was important to expand a bit on the injuries as there was previously not much info. Given some of the usual comments based on ignorance and the fact that a two people can't even read press reports (which didn't even interview the guy) it seemed some expanded background info was required. Some people seem to read one thing, take it as fact and then conflate it with something so that it ends up meaning something completely different.

What he does with his life from here is his choice and he obviously has much to deal with. I don't doubt that it will be very difficult back home given his injuries and circumstances and no doubt like all of us he'll make some mistakes. However, he appeared to me to be genuinely grateful that there are still those willing to take some time to show some compassion and assist others in need and not leap to prejudiced judgement.

Any person from Sweden will know that story is not true. This could NEVER happen in Sweden. Everyone that work legally in Sweden and get injuries while doing their work are insured and will get at least their full salary. And free healthcare and compansation for their injuries.

The Company also have to find you a new job that fits you after your injuries. If not the have to pay really big Money..........And a chef welding inside a tank!!!!!yes sure

Edited August 30, 2014 by khunerik

[Lakegeneve]

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I wanted to provide some further info to provide an update having contacted the member above and spoken to a Swede who helped the man. I actually also briefly met the man as well before he departed.

Firstly, as advised by the mortenaa, the man in question departed Bangkok Wed morning and was admitted to hospital for medical treatment upon arrival in stockholm.

I understand that he'll being seeking the help of social welfare (whatever the exact name is - see above posts) and seeking emergency housing while he slowly gets his life back together. His trip back (and overstay) was paid for by a few scandanavians (mainly one swede who is fully fluent in thai, has lived and worked here for a while and sought the guy out on the weekend) and germans, and some thais who donated money- no organisations provided funds.

The Swedish embassy provide no funds but did provide an escort to the airport and through immigration given the overstay issue. Interestingly, the swede who helped the guy stated that there were many thais along sukhumvit who knew the guy and actively went out of their way to help him both while he was homeless and when the swede was looking for him. (Though apparently he was also robbed a few times while living on the streets and once beaten up badly by 5 young thais guys)

Some more background of the industrial accident

He suffered more significant injuries in the industrial accident in Sept 2008 than mortenaa disclosed in the previous post answering my query. It appears that whilst welding in a silo type metal structure used for storage the structure was contained liquid which contained lye - this was not disclosed to him. He apparently became trapped in this liquid up to waist level (he was not wearing protective gear) for a period of time (30 mins+) and could not exit, he passed out before being rescued. He suffered significant acid burns to his legs, primarily one leg below the knee. It also caused some injury to internal organs such that he apparently requires the assistance of a tube to urinate.

Obviously, this was a significant incident causing life changing injuries.

He states that he was hospitalised for a couple of months (the scando article linked above says 1 month), spent a few months in a wheelchair and the following year learning to properly walk again. He was not eligible for unemployment benefits at the time (which the article states) of his recovery so obviously his earning capacity was diminished. The injuries and recovery process - he was in apparent pain for some time - obviously had a significant impact on his life and eventually lead to a relationship breakdown and divorce. (When I met him he made a big thing about recovering before he departed a photo of his children that he had given to a cafe owner to ensure safe keeping given that some of his possessions were being stolen)

Subsequently, the company was convicted of OH&S laws in 2010. Some 2-3 years after the accident he received a compensation payout after civil proceedings but that was not above a 6 figure sum ($US) according to him.

None of this, if all true, seems that easy to me. I think that most people could empathise with someone having a tough time after suffering significant life long injuries from an industrial accident and a subsequent divorce. How many middle aged men have experienced that challenge in their life?

I thought that it was important to expand a bit on the injuries as there was previously not much info. Given some of the usual comments based on ignorance and the fact that a two people can't even read press reports (which didn't even interview the guy) it seemed some expanded background info was required. Some people seem to read one thing, take it as fact and then conflate it with something so that it ends up meaning something completely different.

What he does with his life from here is his choice and he obviously has much to deal with. I don't doubt that it will be very difficult back home given his injuries and circumstances and no doubt like all of us he'll make some mistakes. However, he appeared to me to be genuinely grateful that there are still those willing to take some time to show some compassion and assist others in need and not leap to prejudiced judgement.

Thank you for the update. But I am sorry as I still see many holes in this story as well.

First you say he was hurt at work by welding inside of a tank that was not cleared of chemicals. Yet earlier someone said he was a Chef. So what was he? A Chef had no business in a tank welding, unless in Sweden you need to be able to get a Mig Welding Certificate before you are allowed to cook. If he was a Welder he would know by law that when entering a tank to weld he must have a helper (safety watch) to watch him at all times. So he either broke the law, or was not a qualified welder and should never had been in their in the first place. Especially by himself. So sadly, he was partly to blame for his accident even though the company did get convicted by OH&S. .

Next you say, or made us think, that during his recovery period of 3 years he was left without any income as he did not qualify for Unemployment Benefits. Which the only reason why he was not that I know of is because he did not work long enough to earn that. But having said that, he would have been covered under the Swedish Government Workman Compensation Plan as he was injured at work.

This pays better than Unemployment Benefits and it is for life if need be. For sure he would have been paid during all of his Recovery Time and until it was proven he can work again in the same job capacity as before. All treatment and associated expenses would have been cover by them. So I don't believe that part of your (or His) story either. He was not thrown out to the Wolves, as you claim.

Next you say that in 2010 he received some money from this accident. All we know is that you said it was not above a 6 Figure Sum, so had to have been under 1 Million Dollars, as a Million is above 6 figures. So to take the middle of the road guess, you might think he got at least $500,000 in 2010. That sure is a lot of money to go through in just 4 years living here. Especially if he was still being paid by Workman's Compensation for his injuries while staying here.

Regardless of the outcome, it was still a very noble thing you and your companions did for this man. I hope it was not for nothing and he will prove me wrong one day.

Firstly, I never said that I did anything to help, I didn't, I certainly didn't do anything noble. That sentiment needs to be extended to the Scandos, German and mainly Thais that helped the guy.

All that I did was take some time to try to understand the situation a little more by contacting the people assisting him and briefly meeting with him. And you don't need to say sorry for saying that there are holes, of course there are. I'm not writing a book nor an investigative piece here, I just provided further information as it was told to me and I filtered what seemed the most credible.

Second, so once a chef always a chef? People cannot change jobs? Have you worked the same job all of your life? I don't see any issue with that and if somehow you think that a chef cannot do another job - just because that you read somewhere else that he was a chef - that seems a very limited world view. I frankly don't understand what your point is here. The Scandinavian article also mentions him being a truck driver. Can truck drivers not cook and weld or is it that welders cannot drive trucks????

No thai media report actually interviewed the guy and no one that assisted him went into detail on here about his injuries which is why I wanted to understand it some more. I am not so naive like others, to believe everything I read (a point I made earlier), just as much as I won't believe everything told to me but I will keep an open mind. That is why I used terms like "apparently", "if all true" and "according to him". I'm not taking everything as gospel. One needs to make ones own evaluations based on a diverse sources. However, first hand accounts are preferable. Who are the other posters able to provide first hand accounts.....

Thirdly, in relation to benefits I stated , "He was not eligible for unemployment benefits at the time (which the article states) of his recovery so obviously his earning capacity was diminished." as this is what he told me. As noted, the article also states that. That statement also seems to cover the general facts, he was injured and in pain during the recovery process AND his earnings capacity was diminished. Why do you wish to seemingly engage in conjecture about what benefits he should have been eligible for or what compensation he should have received??? Surely, if the matter is of such interest to you might wish to actually contact a direct source to ascertain the facts rather than spending time speculating?

I only had a limited amount of time and I was conducting an interview nor an interrogation. I also do not know the specific facts of his case on that side of things but knowing other Swedes, the notion that everyone is always covered in all circumstances belies the reality that people fall through the cracks. That may have occurred in this case. (Though the poster above is of the naive view that everyone is always taken care of in every way all of the time in the romanticized perfect world that is Sweden. Probably, that is the case most of the time BUT in every case???)

Lastly, and with great respect you really need to improve your conceptual math skills, " All we know is that you said it was not above a 6 Figure Sum, so had to have been under 1 Million Dollars, as a Million is above 6 figures." Hopefully, by now you have seen the huge basic hole in your need to speculate. That also makes the other speculation in that paragraph irrelevant. (BTW, who said that he lived here for 4 yrs???). I probably should have just stated it more clearly that it was a 5 figure $US sum. Again, according to him.

Shall I state the obvious and say that there are quite a few holes in your speculation?

An overview of posts on the thread

On the one hand we have a few people here seemingly resentful and spiteful that someone in need was helped. No one said that this guy was more meritorious than the next, that he deserved intervention when others don't. This just came to the attention via media (all second hand reports it should be noted) and a few people decided to help out. From what I can tell none of them grandstanded here nor sought publicity for doing so .

On the other hand, we have some people seemingly turning themselves inside out in desperate attempts to prove that the guy in question was a fake, didn't deserve help or was a hopeless cause. A couple (including the poster above who didn't reply to requests for specific factual and referenced information) were so intent in doing this that they proved that they can't even read second hand media reports and ended up making completely false allegations. Allegations which potentially exposed them to a defamation complaint - silliness seems to know no bounds.

People want to endlessly speculate and find a tenuous tidbit of information to advance their prejudicial or judgmental point of view. I'm not sure why that is but it is a common occurrence.

Thankfully, a large numbers of posters recognise that anything is possible in life and expressed compassion and extended hope that the guy deal with his issues and rebuild his life.

I've avoided conveying what was explained to me in relation to the circumstances in relation to his marriage to a thai woman last year and subsequent loss of life savings this year upon return to Thailand in April. As with all of these stories, it is complicated and messy and involves mistakes that the victim made by trusting another. To be frank, I didn't feel that there was enough specific info to pass it on.

However, two things to note. A few thai women assisted this guy on the basis that they believed the circumstances of his loss. Most likely he can lodge a criminal complaint and civil action to recover some of his funds once he recovers his health enough to instruct a Thai lawyer from Sweden. Who knows if that will happen.

[intel4004]

Of all the people I know personally who use this forum they've all said TV can be a very negative, judgemental place. If you can filter out the trolls, the posters with nothing constructive to add and the self obsessed you will be doing yourself a big favour. I'm learning this slowly otherwise you can end up wasting so much of your valuable time

[SoiBiker]

If you can filter out the trolls, the posters with nothing constructive to add and the self obsessed you will be doing yourself a big favour.

Is there anything left?

[euroflash]

I thought he was back home in good old welfare Sweden now?

https://twitter.com/StickboyBangkok/status/506095574060257282/photo/1

[bangkoklasse]

I thought he was back home in good old welfare Sweden now?

https://twitter.com/StickboyBangkok/status/506095574060257282/photo/1

Is this from yesterday like it say?? If so it's incredible !!!!!!

[jacky54]

Somebody should know who is wife is by now if he only got married last year, who had all his money, where is she?

[intel4004]

If you can filter out the trolls, the posters with nothing constructive to add and the self obsessed you will be doing yourself a big favour.

Is there anything left?

You have to look carefully

[larsjohnsson]

Plenty of Thai somewhat more deserving though, nobody forced him to come here did they

And he have been coming here 3 times since November. After buying all those expensive tickets he like to have one free....................

Your ignorant cynicism is not surprising given your previous posts where you posted false allegations.

It really is amazing that after making some foolish false statements, you still feel the need to be so mean spirited about something you obviously no nothing about......what really is the motivation I wonder? Can't you at least begrudgingly be happy that someone who no doubt made some mistakes has a another chance rather than potentially dying on the streets in a foreign land?

I'm still waiting for you to reply to post #207 which highlights the fact that you can't read information correctly let alone be accurate when referring to it. You were invited to respond but have avoided doing so. Someone with a degree of credibility would at least acknowledge their obvious mistake but instead you continue with more uninformed cynicism.

I don't know about the ignorant cynicism. The Swedish man is back in Bangkok again and have been here at least since last month. Same style same things but now in Khaosan road instead

[larsjohnsson]

Edited November 13, 2014 by larsjohnsson

[khunerik]

^{Unbelivable that he is back and doing the same thing again. Then we know he just liked to fool people and get Money the last time. Incredible......}

[larsjohnsson]

@ khunerik, If you are a member of the facebook group "svenskar i thailand" you can read about him there