On Duty Human Being!

[Viking]

Jourhavande medmänniska!

On duty human being!

As we on a daily basis see farangs go crazy and injuring not only themselves but also murdering Thaïs, who are doing nothing but what they see appropriate to support themselves, I think it is high time to get a team of wise and experienced farangs to stand by on a 24 hours number to comfort and sooth the unfortunate souls who fall into the traps of these Thaïs and also provide a bit of advise before things go over the edge.

How do we get this together and spread the world about it?

Viking

[Mobi]

Jourhavande medmänniska!

On duty human being!

As we on a daily basis see farangs go crazy and injuring not only themselves but also murdering Thaïs, who are doing nothing but what they see appropriate to support themselves, I think it is high time to get a team of wise and experienced farangs to stand by on a 24 hours number to comfort and sooth the unfortunate souls who fall into the traps of these Thaïs and also provide a bit of advise before things go over the edge.

How do we get this together and spread the world about it?

Viking

I completely agree. I have been thinking about it for some time.

Many years ago (like nearly 30) I used to to run an English language radio staion in BKK and we carried free spots for the Samaritans - a world wide organisation that does just that - provide phone support and advice for would be suicidals and folks with personal problems. It used to have English as well as Thai services in those days, but as far as I can see, the English services have died out. Can't find any English info on their web site, except for a farang woman in Chaing Mai.

Pattaya badly needs such a service - the amount of farang suicides here is appalling - and it needs to be publicised in the hotels, bars, and maybe on radio, local TV.etc. If you can save one life a year , it would be worth it.

My daughter, who is in her 3rd year at Leeds university, is an active volunteer for "outreach" a similar phone set up for students who are going through difficult times. We have talked about the situation in Pattaya, and wish we could do something.

To get this off the ground, it will take a fair number of committed volunteers, as once you advertise the service, you can't let people down - it might push them over the edge, if they try to call and no one is there to help. It would be better to do nothing than have a half assed service.

It seems silly to re-invent the wheel, when Samaritans is already an established organisation, but I'm not sure where to start on this.

I for one would put my name down if anyone else wants to help get this going, as its long overdue and could save lives.

Edited July 11, 2006 by Mobi D'Ark

[thaiflyer1]

I can just see it.............your in your moment of utmost desperation, you call the helpline number and DUMPSTER picks the phone up.

Seriously though there was a guy trying to start a support system up about a year ago , i remember him being interviewed by Neils Colov on Pattaya Beach Road....................cant remember his name or any details though.

[icecubes]

Suppose it would give me someone else to talk to other than

the Samaritans’ at Christmas.

[Mobi]

I can just see it.............your in your moment of utmost desperation, you call the helpline number and DUMPSTER picks the phone up.

Or Kerryd Brit Naka Kurgen Alexth Prof Fart :blink:Noel etc etc

Yes... I suppose the mind boggles.... might put the suicide rate up instead of down

Joking apart though - this could be a worthwhile project. Any one else interested?

[Kerryd]

I can just see it.............your in your moment of utmost desperation, you call the helpline number and DUMPSTER picks the phone up.

Or Kerryd

Yes... I suppose the mind boggles.... might put the suicide rate up instead of down

Bite Me boonie dweller !

I'd arrange to meet the poor fella somewhere, then show up with one of my go-go dancer girl-friends just to rub it in, then give him directions to the Tiffany's Range.

A Help-line may be useful to the people that live here, or come here frequently for long periods, but wouldn't likely be of much help to tourists and those that stay for short periods.

Many of these people are beyong help. Nothing will convince them that their girl is no different than any other girl. Even showing them proof would probably just get them pissed at you (for trying to break them up).

In most cases like this (rage attacks), help-lines are always mentioned in the "hindsight is 20/20" mindset.

"Oh, if only there had been something set up to help people like this, then maybe it wouldn't have happened"

It flies in the face of reality though. In places where there are established help-lines (and a lot more law & order), crimes like this happen all too often. People in a rage rarely take the time to think about their actions before comitting the crime, and therefore wouldn't be likely to use the services of a help-line.

[The Philosopher]

Jourhavande medmänniska!

On duty human being!

As we on a daily basis see farangs go crazy and injuring not only themselves but also murdering Thaïs, who are doing nothing but what they see appropriate to support themselves, I think it is high time to get a team of wise and experienced farangs to stand by on a 24 hours number to comfort and sooth the unfortunate souls who fall into the traps of these Thaïs and also provide a bit of advise before things go over the edge.

How do we get this together and spread the world about it?

Viking

You could call it the POGOS (Pattaya Old Gits On-call Samaritans) any other ideas for a name

[suiging]

The Chilly club

When you feel chilly go look for a jumper.

[Mobi]

Jourhavande medmänniska!

On duty human being!

As we on a daily basis see farangs go crazy and injuring not only themselves but also murdering Thaïs, who are doing nothing but what they see appropriate to support themselves, I think it is high time to get a team of wise and experienced farangs to stand by on a 24 hours number to comfort and sooth the unfortunate souls who fall into the traps of these Thaïs and also provide a bit of advise before things go over the edge.

How do we get this together and spread the world about it?

Viking

You could call it the POGOS (Pattaya Old Gits On-call Samaritans) any other ideas for a name

What about young gits? Aren't they elligible to help out?

[Mobi]

.

.....In most cases like this (rage attacks), help-lines are always mentioned in the "hindsight is 20/20" mindset.

"Oh, if only there had been something set up to help people like this, then maybe it wouldn't have happened"

It flies in the face of reality though. In places where there are established help-lines (and a lot more law & order), crimes like this happen all too often. People in a rage rarely take the time to think about their actions before comitting the crime, and therefore wouldn't be likely to use the services of a help-line.

On a serious note Kerry, I was thinking more of the jumpers and shooters than those involved in rage attacks. There is no doubt that these people have reached the end of their 'line', but if there is somene to call, with some good, sageand practical advice, it may just prevent yet another needless death.

On a less serious note, on behalf of the yet to be formed organisation, I respectfully decline your kind offer to escort would be suicides to visit one of your go go girl friends so that you may "rub it in"

Thanks but no thanks

[Kerryd]

On a serious note Kerry, I was thinking more of the jumpers and shooters than those involved in rage attacks. There is no doubt that these people have reached the end of their 'line', but if there is somene to call, with some good, sageand practical advice, it may just prevent yet another needless death.

Jumpers and shooters would be more likely customers for such a help-line. As I think about it, it is something that could be done. Set up the org., and then have members go to hotels and condos and apartment buildings around the city (over time), and put stickers on the telephones with the help-line number. Obviously it would take awhile to accomplish.

(having a caller ID set up would also allow the authorities to be contacted and dispatched, just in case).

Big obstacle would be organizing and maintaining a dedicated staff, preferably with members that speak different languages. As we have read recently, many of the recent unfortunates were Euros (French, Belgian, Norwegian, Dutch). To be effective, the helpline would need people that could speak the language of the person seeking help. Not an easy task, but still possible (just take a little networking with various other ex-pat groups within the city).

On a less serious note, on behalf of the yet to be formed organisation, I respectfully decline your kind offer to escort would be suicides to visit one of your go go girl friends so that you may "rub it in"

Thanks but no thanks

I wasn't going to bring my go-go dancer(s) to "visit" the would-be jumper/shooter ! I was just going to rub it in about how good I've got it compared to him, then give him the directions to the shooting range !

(I'm not a real sympathetic kind of guy obviously !)

[Mobi]

Jumpers and shooters would be more likely customers for such a help-line. As I think about it, it is something that could be done. Set up the org., and then have members go to hotels and condos and apartment buildings around the city (over time), and put stickers on the telephones with the help-line number. Obviously it would take awhile to accomplish.

(having a caller ID set up would also allow the authorities to be contacted and dispatched, just in case).

Big obstacle would be organizing and maintaining a dedicated staff, preferably with members that speak different languages. As we have read recently, many of the recent unfortunates were Euros (French, Belgian, Norwegian, Dutch). To be effective, the helpline would need people that could speak the language of the person seeking help. Not an easy task, but still possible (just take a little networking with various other ex-pat groups within the city).

All this is good stuff, and along the lines I was thinking. However I would draw the line at multiple languages - certainly to start with. It should be advertised as an English language service. Don't forget that for every langauge you advertise, you would have to maintain 24/7 coverage, or it won't work. Possible in English, but doubtful in Dutch, Norwegian or whatever.

I know its a sad state of affairs, but the fact is that most people these days speak at least passable English, but there ain't too many of us old (and young) gits that speak other languages. (except Thai? )

[Kerryd]

All this is good stuff, and along the lines I was thinking. However I would draw the line at multiple languages - certainly to start with. It should be advertised as an English language service. Don't forget that for every langauge you advertise, you would have to maintain 24/7 coverage, or it won't work. Possible in English, but doubtful in Dutch, Norwegian or whatever.

I know its a sad state of affairs, but the fact is that most people these days speak at least passable English, but there ain't too many of us old (and young) gits that speak other languages. (except Thai? )

Wouldn't need to actually have the other language speakers working 24/7, just available (on call, on pagers). English personnel on duty, maybe with some language phrase cards, and the contact numbers for members that speak other languages.

Like I said, it wouldn't be easy, and yes, it would most likely have to start off as a pure English language affair to begin with.

It is possible that such an organization could be eligible for certain grants (don't know about being in Thailand though). Wonder if such an organization could be eligible to sponsor work permits ?