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Phuket's Luckless Expats Finding Life Even Tougher Now
By Alan Morison Friday, November 23, 2012
PHUKET: Tourist Police on Phuket are now restricting use of their special accommodation, opened just last year to help tourists down on their luck.
It is believed the death of Phuket expat Kenneth Caldwell, 64, who plunged from a radio broadcast mast at Tourist Police headquarters in Phuket City early this month, led to the reappraisal.
Mr Caldwell was financially destitute at the time he climbed the ladder on the tower. Soon after, an Australian tourist plunged from the 18th floor of a Patong hotel.
Remarkably, his descent was slowed as he crashed through an awning. He survived.
A day or so later, Phuketwan telephoned the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Australian capital, Canberra, to ask what help Australians suffering from mental disorders could count on getting overseas.
We are still awaiting their response. Most governments are at a loss for an answer.
Because the issue has few practical solutions, Phuket's honorary consuls were delighted at the initiative displayed when the two small, neat bedrooms were opened alongside Tourist Police headquarters in Phuket City last year.
A steady stream of people from all over the world have since used the rooms and been helped with food by Phuket's selfless Tourist Police.
However, from now on, the rooms will only be available to tourists on the recommendation of embassies or their Phuket honorary consuls.
The restriction became apparent when a Phuket apartment manager attempted today to find alternate accommodation for an alcoholic customer who was disturbing staff and other guests.
On Phuket, there is no shortage of people in genuine need of temporary help because of circumstances beyond their control.
And there's a growing number of people from all over the world who reach the end of their tether financially, emotionally or both, on Phuket.
While the island's stray dogs have several charities devoted to their needs, Phuket's lost expats have none. Those with friends or family on the island are blessed.
Phuket is an odd place. The deeds of rich people who choose to make Phuket their second or third home are frequently celebrated, often simply because they have made a lot of money.
We know of kindly expats, Tourist Police volunteers among them, who do what they can.
But we can't recall ever reading about the deeds of a single rich Phuket expat philanthropist. Perhaps they give generously without telling anybody, or prefer to give to others near their first or second homes.
Wealthy expat Phuket benefactors are definitely hard to find. Expats down on their luck or afflicted by mental conditions are not.
Phuketwan remembers going to the cremation of Gabriella, a Swedish loner who cadged a living on Phuket for perhaps a decade or more, off and on. The only other people with us at her funeral were the undertakers.
We also remember an American man who spent six years begging from tourists in Patong before he was caught and deported home, to an uncertain future, leaving two daughters in Thailand.
Phuket has plenty more like them. And their numbers are growing faster now.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
How many Thais are making use of the facilities offered in Europe to a hard up Thai expat be they medical, financial,food or accommodation I know of several in the UK alone but like most things here they are never reciprocal lots of take but not a lot of give.
Posted by
Scunner
on
November 23, 2012 18:17
Editor Comment:
I see your generosity of spirit is in its usual dysfunctional state, Scunner. Most people can tell the difference between developed and developing countries. It's the first healing step for people addicted to selfishness.
I have mixed views on the fact that people do not have access to the newly built tourist rooms as surely that was their purpose of construction. However there is a logic that most nationals including myself if I ran out of money,or had my money, Passport stolen etc would go to my Embassy/Consulate to ask how they could help. What I think would be helpful is in addition to Tourist Police signs on the side of roads with their number, signs could be placed with a number for foreigners seeking help which is staffed by the Thai government. Some people might say why should the Thai government fund this but look how much money comes into Phuket from foreigners. Even the people in financial distress in most cases came with money they spent in Thailand so there is a duty of care by the Thai government. Can readers please comment on this?
Posted by
Happy Farang
on
November 23, 2012 18:55
Editor Comment:
Let me start, Happy Farang. As long as the rules apply universally, I don't have a problem with them. What do tourists do in New York if they are down on their luck? I suspect they turn to their embassy. Thailand owes tourists (and expat residents) nothing. The Tourist Police, on their own initiative, found the budget and created the rooms. That puts them a cut above similar tourist bodies elsewhere. A ''duty of care'' by the Thai government - or even the government of the tourist involved - is wishful thinking.
Re Scunner - well said Ed.. Scunner I see your point but look deeper into the fiancials of the two countries.
Posted by
Happy Farang
on
November 23, 2012 19:01
kudos to the tourist police for extending a hand. Some other coutries would not give a tinkers damn. At least it is something and they should be commended for it.
Posted by
Ted Davis
on
November 23, 2012 19:34
Irresponsible, nothing else to Add this is whats most Farang here is, a very few Expat like the article mentioned, and by the Way Excellent article !
PS: Thais are more responsible about culture and custom abroad then many farangs do in Phuket Cheers
Posted by
Ratatooe
on
November 23, 2012 19:37
Editor Comment:
For a start, I think many countries require Thais to have travel insurance, which is a big advantage.
Running a private social security foundation is not an easy task, it does not only take a lot of money if providing with shelter and food. But also time to comfort, give directions to solve problems, directly controlling movement of unruly individuals not in control of their emotions and behavior, desperate people can be life threatening danger to others and themselves. Finding a suitable location for quarters can be a difficult task, locating rooms for the needed in a police headquarter is clever, but still it has led to a fatal incident. Starting up a private service like this is not something you can close only because one needs to go abroad for work or leisure, this facility must still run, and who will be in charge? And it is starting not to be one or a few cases, lately it has been reported several desperate actions every week!
Posted by
Peter
on
November 23, 2012 19:42
Editor Comment:
The suggestion is that, despite appearances, Phuket needs the Salvation Army, or something similar. Making money appears to be all Phuket's rich expats have ever done. I wish there was evidence that they cared about others. Perhaps someone knows of a case where Phuket's super-rich have shown another side?
I admire the glowing view of the tourist police presented in this article.
I personally "donated" more than 1 million baht to a tourist police officer in southern Phuket for the establishment of a tourist drop in center - a one stop shop for tourist police to help. Embezzled is the mild term for the destination of my funds.
I should make it clear the reference is made to a (foreign) tourist police "volunteer" not a thai police officer who I am sure does an outstanding job.
Posted by
Karmaisabitch
on
November 23, 2012 19:48
I would consider perhaps applications to set up foundations to benefit expats have been submitted, but were denied.
Posted by
CBF
on
November 23, 2012 19:55
[quote]
The restriction became apparent when a Phuket apartment manager attempted today to find alternate accommodation for an alcoholic customer who was disturbing staff and other guests.
[/quote]
As a Phuket hotelier, and one who has experienced the problems that alcoholic (not drunk) guests can cause, I sympathise with the apartment manager.
Alcoholism is an illness and an addiction, and those who suffer from it can be very antisocial and disruptive. But that should not be a reason to deny them temporary accommodation in the Tourist Police shelter.
Simon
Posted by
Simon Luttrell
on
November 23, 2012 20:38
"Most people can tell the difference between developed and developing countries"
Tax rates would be one clue..
Posted by
LivinLOS
on
November 23, 2012 20:47
" Thailand owes tourists (and expat residents) nothing "
I respectfully beg to differ. Perhaps Thailand as a whole owes only 8% of its GDP to tourism but Phuket sure owes it's wealth and prosperity by at least 80% to the foreigners both visiting and residing here.
What does Phuket have in ways of generating income for locals other than those related to foreigners ? Fishing is dying, tin mining dead for a long time already and all but one large rubber tree plantation around Nai Thon/Mai Khao exist. Shrip farming on the north-east coast brings in peanuts and most of Thai shrimp are destined for export anyway.
Imagine what would happen to the economy of this island if all foreigners packed up and left tomorrow, taking all their funds with them and no foreigner would ever visit Phuket again ?
When I say owe, I do not mean they need to hand over money or be subservient but as a Buddhist nation they could at least show they do care about the hand that feeds them.
Helping those who are down on their luck, even when they happen to be foreigners, would be a humane and decent thing to do.
I ask, where are the wealthy Thai individuals on Phuket when it comes to helping and showing generosity towards the very group of people that enabled them to generate their wealth in the first place ?
Has anyone heard of a wealthy Thai individual making a donation to help foreigners on Phuket ?
I stand to be corrected if my information is wrong.
Very few, if any wealthy foreigners residing on Phuket actually made their fortunes here, thus the logic that they somehow owe something to those foreigners in need is in my opinion flawed.
Posted by
Andrew
on
November 23, 2012 20:58
Editor Comment:
The point of the article is that the Tourist Police - along with the public hospitals - are generous in helping expats in need. The expats' governments and those who have succeeded in making a lot of money on Phuket are far less generous. (I suggest you ask around for success stories. There is no shortage of them.) A lot of people in between do what they can. There has to be a Plan B.
All foreigners who cadge a living in Thailand should be cremated. Preferably while still alive.
Posted by
Bjorn
on
November 24, 2012 04:47
This is quite a problem. One aspect that was pointed out to me by a Tourist Police acquaintance, is that, some of these down-on-their-luck farangs, were previously on medication. When the money runs out, they don't take medication, with various results, both mental and physical. As an ex-Rotary member/club president, I suggested that he contact a local Rotary or Lions Club and see if they were interested. I don't know if he did. There are several such clubs on Phuket and they too, owe their existence to the tourist industry. (moderated)
Posted by
Ga
on
November 24, 2012 05:24
Editor Comment:
I wasn't writing about Thais, Ga. This is an issue for expats, and whether rich expats on Phuket should be more generous to help less fortunate expats. There's an absence of philanthropy in paradise.
Hi Editor, it seems like you have a bad view towards the "rich expats" living on Phuket, I find it hard to understand why you would have that point of view? My personal experience is opposite they give quite a lot back to the local communities and the islands people. I have countless stories from the aftermath of the tsunami, where they paid for tools, water pumps, lights, giving food and drinks for search and rescue teams, paying for road clearing, installing emergency generators, supplying kitchen hardware to flooded villages, build new fishing boats ect. And even today many ????????rich expats???????? are actively supplying or supporting orphanages, running charities, paying bills of stranded hospital patients, paying repairs on crashed bikes and cars for ill funded tourists, police fines, hotel bills, overstay fines, deportation or return tickets to country of origin, paying daily living for expat street roaming drug users or alcoholics.
Expats come here to enjoy their second home for a good holiday, to live here as retirees or as an expat working in a nice tropical environment. Still they find the time to give a helping hand whenever it is needed. And they do not look to get any recognition from the public for this, the thank you, from the needed is good for the giving heart.
Posted by
Peter
on
November 24, 2012 09:08
Editor Comment:
''It seems like'' nothing of the kind, Peter. Help came from rich and poor all over the world after the tsunami, but that has nothing to do with the problem of an increasing number of expats on Phuket who need help. I am simply noting that if Phuket's expat rich community do give to help other less fortunate expats, they are very low-profile about it. The problem is growing. I suggest you concentrate on suggesting solutions to the problem, and stop trying to read my mind. I am not talking about retirees, but about people who have grown rich on Phuket.
"Smiley", you did not read between the lines did you, or should I write "I paid and still paying" so I do not need to read your mind...
Posted by
Peter
on
November 24, 2012 11:21
Andrew says "Imagine what would happen to the economy of this island if all foreigners packed up and left tomorrow, taking all their funds with them and no foreigner would ever visit London again ?
When I say owe, I do not mean they need to hand over money or be subservient but as a Christian nation they could at least show they do care about the hand that feeds them.
Helping those who are down on their luck, even when they happen to be foreigners, would be a humane and decent thing to do.
I ask, where are the wealthy British individuals in London when it comes to helping and showing generosity towards the very group of people that enabled them to generate their wealth in the first place ?
Has anyone heard of a wealthy British individual making a donation to help foreigners in London"
Andrew you are exactly right, I have never heard of one wealthy Brit helping anyo foreigner. I have stayed in London for many years and you must remember that Londoners call us "silly gits" meaning foreigner. We are in many ways second class to them, look at the history of the country, not a colony of Britain etc. With a few exceptions I have never met a Londoner that gives anything back to foreigners, even those down on their luck. British look at foreigners that they should pay ask anyone that has stayed here over a year. Not good, but that is how it is. I have mixed views if I am going to stay in London as people both Londoners and foreigners seem to have become more and more obssesed with money and less moral in how they try to get more.
Posted by
Happy Farang
on
November 24, 2012 13:38
Editor Comment:
Happy Farang, I've taken the liberty of changing your xenophobic references to something equally appropriate. If you wish to be a bigot, go somewhere else, please.
Many of local business owners especially those in the hotel business donate and/or are involved in some kind of social projects, however most of them are directed towards the local community. This usually includes schools, local water supply, animal shelters, etc.
As for foreigners, while I understand that some people may happen to be in a situation of distress due to sth. beyond their control, for cases where people spend all their money on alcohol, drugs or women/men it is their sole responsibility as adults. ANY help that is offered in this kind of cases should be appreciated, however there is no obligation involved as for usual embassies should offer the support in such cases.
Posted by
Jakub P.
on
November 24, 2012 15:20
Ed, why can't you have a democratic newspaper, my last comment might be negative but it is true.
Posted by
Happy Farang
on
November 24, 2012 17:55
Editor Comment:
Yes, I agree.
Ed, I demand that you take the article down. The reliance on tourism in London is totally different than Phuket and there would be many charities for people down on their luck. I did not write that text and therefore you are not representing what I say and do not have authority to represent me. London cannot be compared to Phuket so you make a nonsense of the whole issue. This is not journalism. I am going to be calling the Phuketwan on Monday and making a complaint, frankly what should be an open discussion you have turned into a messy joke which solves nothing. I guess this is Alan Morison, who I have lost any respect for. Also why did you pick London, as opposed to New York, Sydney etc? I did not write that article take it down I do not think Phuketwan would want it there.
Posted by
Happy Farang
on
November 24, 2012 20:05
Editor Comment:
Your comments about Thailand, Phuket and Thais are classic bigotry, Happy Farang. That's now evident to everyone. You took an article about expats on Phuket and their problems and attempted to turn it into an opportunity to abuse Thais. That was never going to happen. Shame on you.
Ed, I am not anti Thai how could I live here if that was the case. What I stated is a fact albeit an unplesant one. You are so biased towards Thais you make improvements harder for them as you do not publish negative comments. Your change to London and British is a non sense as there are numerous charities in London. You like to put down the wealthy non Thais well what about the rich Thais in Phuket of which there are many. I have asked you to either place what I wrote on the site or take down your version. What you are doing serves no purpose and makes a mockory of yourself as a journalist and of Phuketwan. I have read your comments on putting others down but now I see you are worst than most them. Take it down and stop trying to be clever you are making an idiot of yourself.
Posted by
Happy Farang
on
November 24, 2012 20:36
Editor Comment:
Happy Farang, the article was about down and out expats on Phuket and the need for support from other expats. You turned it into yet another excuse to denigrate Thais and Thailand. Your warped views are not ''journalism.'' They are not even legitimate opinion. I suggest you cease your bigotry or go to one if the chat sites where bigots relish each other's company.
Ed, you print articles that are not what people say. Enough said.
Posted by
Happy Farang
on
November 24, 2012 22:57
Editor Comment:
We won't print comments that have no basis in fact, Happy Farang. You're free to uphold the views of Enoch Powell and Pauline Hanson, but not on this site.
Sorry but I don't feel that the wealthier expats have any obligation to the "less fortunate" expats...if I was well heeled and philanthropic I would be more inclined to help less fortunate Thai children and dispossessed Thai people. The "down on their luck
expats" for whatever reason, whether it it be mental or .. reasons always have a back door to their home countries. Sorry no sympathy here....
Posted by
david
on
November 25, 2012 13:23
The article is very much appreciated a reminder to us who are a bit older and can imagine there is an end to our living and lives. That could come any day. Not that you bother but you are aware of it. That is especially so being a foreigner here. Of course you theoretically can return to your home country, but you may not reach that decision in time and as someone did find no other way out than death. Through members of our Scandinavian association I have come to know about tragic ending to the living and life in this paradise. It happens more often than one can imagine. Hundreds of Swedes die here in Thailand every year, but it is not the numbers that are important, but still it is the normal proportion of the numbers, perhaps 25000, that live here more or less permanently. Yesterday we have a meeting and a review of what the consular department in Bangkok and here in Phuket do to help a much bigger number of people and also what the Swedish church is doing. It is somewhat consoling that there are people that show empathy with others. It would be worth while reviewing a bit what their experiences are. There is also a person to person emotional and sometimes economic assistance, mostly within small groups of closer friends in this association. Often people try to help but also fail and on top of it blame themselves even for not helping enough. There are some comments here from some people which might like to reexamine what they have written if that shows unnecessary lack of empathy.
Posted by
Bo Jonsson
on
November 26, 2012 14:46
Editor Comment:
Thanks for your thoughts, Bo. Swedes seem to have a better safety net than most national groups. I fear for those who do not have proper support. There seem to be more with problems every day. I know some groups do what they can.
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Interesting article.
Posted by Happy Farang on November 23, 2012 17:47