personal assistance

[Thomas8472]

Hi

I'm disabled, and I need help 24/7 with everything. I get money from the state to hire people. These are called personal assistants in Swedish. I don't know the English term. I'll bring people with me from Sweden, but it would be good to have some backup. Do you know anyone who might be interested?

You have to be from the EU/EES, ideally from Scandinavia. I'm not sure why, but I don't get any money otherwise. You have to speak English, unless you speak Scandinavian. Some medical education/experience would be good, but it's not required. Man or woman doesn't matter. It helps if you're strong, and if you have a driver's license.

My assistants typically work a whole day at a time, morning to morning. They sleep at work, but are ready to help me at night if I need them. They work a few days a month. I don't pay them myself, so I'm not sure about wages, but I think it's something like 17 euros per hour.

I arrive in Hua Hin 1st November. The pilots at the airline (Norwegian) are probably going to strike, so I'm worried that some of my assistants might miss their plane. Also, one of them applied for visa rather late. I'm worried that I'll be stuck with few assistants, so that they have to work themselves half to death. There is also the risk that someone becomes ill and incapacitated. Even if everything works out fine, it's good to look for people who might be interested.

Thomas Lindroth

[STEVE G]

You have to be from the EU/EES, ideally from Scandinavia.

Hello there, I can see that you have a problem and I don't want to be negative but have you done any research into the legalities of what you suggest from a Thai point of view?
They have quite strict laws on work permits and the types of work that you can do and I don't know where anyone you employed would stand in that respect.
It could depend how long you are staying, if it's basically a holiday and your assistants accompany you I really don't think you would have a problem but if it's longer term it's an issue that might have to be addressed.
Good-luck anyway.

[Roel]

If the wages you mention are accurate then it should not be a problem to find a Thai (even a qualified nurse for that money). Going that route you avoid all the potential pitfalls and complications.

Should you hire a foreigner stay under the radar. Do not tell ANYBODY that you pay your assistant. He/she is just a friend/family member helping you out.

I suggest you hire a Thai. They really do not mind working and/or being on standby for 80 hours a week and they will love the "they sleep at work" part that you mention. A Thai in general will also be less demanding regarding accommodation that you offer if only you allow them to eat promptly after their biological alarm clock has gone off.

[fft100]

Roel,

if you *read* the OP, you would see that he only receives the money for assistants if they are from the EU, and can speak fluent English. That's a different ball game.

Thomas,

What you are looking for is someone who has retired over here, but that would probably make them older than suitable for the role.

However, I seem to recall about 6 or 7 years ago there was talk of opening a specialised resort in HH for handicapped or infirm people from Europe to permanently live here. I am sure it was mentioned on HHAD. Did anything ever become of that, as that would probably have the resources or information to put you on the right track. anyone remember ?

[Roel]

My bad, sorry.
I remember being offered a job by two German or Swiss guys many years ago in Hua Hin. They planned to build a complex with private villa's facilitating for the elderly and disabled people. Their website is no longer in use so I do not think it took off. Was called seniorenparadies (no typo, German language).

[STEVE G]

if you *read* the OP, you would see that he only receives the money for assistants if they are from the EU, and can speak fluent English. That's a different ball game.

Perhaps someone with dual nationality would work if you could find one, perhaps a Thai wife or offspring who had a Swedish passport but could legally work in Thailand without any issues.

[Thomas8472]

I thanks for the help. Unfortunately, I have to hire someone who is a resident of the EU/EES. Citizenship is not enough. I asked at the embassy, and they said that tourist visa is okay. I'll keep looking.

There is a resort for disabled people. I think the guy running it is Dutch. It's called Care Resort. I've contacted him.

There is also a German/Swiss place. I think it is for retired people. Run by a Swiss. I have contacted him too.

I have been in contact with both of them regarding medical aides. I've asked about this matter too, but haven't had any replies so far.

I'm also interested in hiring a Thai for my own money. I don't get as many hours of assistance as I'd like. Igget one assistant all day and night, which is enough at home. I need an extra to get out and do things. I don't think I could pay more than 60-70 baht per hour. Do you think that would work? Someone at another forum suggested asking at a hospita. I asked at San Paolo. They pointed me back to the Swiss guy. Couldn't find mail addresses to the others (can't speak. Don't remember if I found phone numbers. Someone could help me, but that's a last resort). Do you know how to get in touch with them? I'm also thinking of asking a hotel or some massage place, but a hospital sounds safer. This person would probably not work all day and night, but perhaps a regular work week. He/She has to be strong and have a driver's license.

Thank you

[Hilux]

Hi Thomas
I think you should look at this website:

http://life-of-brian.dk/Thailandenglish.htm

It will have a lot of the info I think you are seeking, and it also have the contact info of Brian who I think would not mind if you contacted him for further info.

Hilux

[Nylen]

Hi Thomas,

We have a resort with disable friendly houses and all the resort are disable friendly. We have a sit lift for the main pool and other equipment. Over the years we had many disable people stayed with us with a great result.

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