I recently helped out a guy in Chiang Khong who literally fell over in Chiang Khong, walking to the Bamboo Mexican and snapped his collar bone.
He originally thought he would have surgery in Chiang Khong at the local hospital, but I intervened & had him transferred to Chiang Mai the next day with his bike.
His injury was not life threatening or serious , so the surgery could wait until he got home to a decent hospital, where he had friends and local support.
I understand he had insurance & it was to be all paid for by his insurance company.
This is a great reminder that anything can happen at anytime, and always when you least expect it or need it.
GTR has an insurance page here
Abacus Associates Insurance is the recommended company.
www.thegtrider.com
with recommendations for different types of insurance.
A couple of GTR accident reports here
My Friend Repa, A Lesson not to be taught but maybe a lesson You can learn something from. My friend Repa had a terrible accident with a motorbike in Laos. I tell this story, with the acceptance of him, not to teach You to take care of Your insurance policies but to tell You what can happen...
www.gt-rider.com
My absolute lucky day = first prize in the lottery! A quick one day ride to Luang Prabang from Chiang Khong, to deliver some maps & catch up to a few friends. It's been too long since I've been in Luang Prabang, so rather than bus the maps to Luang Prabang for delivery, why not just pop over...
www.gt-rider.com
Gents Sad news, 3 days ago cruising up R107 to Fang (en route to Thoed Thai) I came across an accident scene. The police & "body-snatchers" rescue vehicle were just preparing to leave. As I slowly went past observing the scene I noticed a smashed up D-Tracker in the back of the police pick-up...
www.gt-rider.com
Generally it is the luck of the game how you fall & get hit.
Something that has always concerned me though, is not coming out of the accident well, having physical disabilities, paralysis or brain damage & needing long term care.
I don't wish to be a burden or financial drain on anyone, or the system, and will be happy to check out, sign off and go anytime appropriate. Thanks everyone, I've had a great life riding here & there's always the GTR Chedi to look forward to hanging out with a few already departed buddies.
In Australia my brother & his wife both ride, & both wear "Do Not Resuscitate" medical tags that are recognized by emergency medical staff.
These do not exist in Thailand, & even if you wore one, would not be recognized by emergency medical staff.
Is there an alternative?
The closest you can get is a "
Living Will", that was first introduced in Thailand in 2007 under the Health Act.
“Section 12: An individual is entitled to make a Living Will expressing that person’s intentions to refrain from receiving medical treatment for the purpose of extending the last phase of their life or for ending the suffering arising from the illness.
A “Living Will in Thailand“, also known as a “Physician’s Directive”, is a separate document from a Last Will. The difference between a Will and a “Living Will” is that the Living Will dictates how you will be cared for while you are still alive and a Will dictates funeral arrangements and how your assets will be divided after you have passed away. A “Living Will” has NOTHING to do with your property.
Living Will in Thailand - Complete legal advice from professionals. Lear complete details by visiting our website.
isaanlawyers.com
The Testator must be 18 years or older.
– Must be specific on the dates of the living will + complete details on the person making the will.
– You must specify which type of healthcare you do not wish to receive.
– Should be signed by the maker of the will and a witness or witnesses.
– Details of the witness or witnesses should also be written.
Make sure that you choose a health care representative who is willing to refuse certain methods of care when you reach a terminal stage. Thai nationals may balk this issue because of their Buddhist culture, so best see to it that you choose someone who is willing to follow your every instruction when the time comes that you are incapable of communicating.
The Living Will in Thailand is a new legal concept in Thailand. This has given many expats in Thailand an option in the event of an accident.
gam-legalalliance.com
Living will document - Update April 2016
Section 12 of the Thai National Health Act made it clear that: “A person shall have the right to make a living will in writing to refuse the public health service which is provided merely to prolong his/her terminal stage of life or to make a living will to refuse the service as to cease the severe suffering from illness,” and: “An act done by public health personnel in compliance with the living will under paragraph one shall not be held an offence and shall not be liable to any responsibility whatsoever.”
Despite this law, some health providers are still convinced that it is another form of euthanasia whilst others believe that it is against the fundamental medical bioethics; to do no harm.
Professor Sawang Boonchalermwipas, a law professor from Thammasat School of Law, clarified the importance of the living will, noting that under no circumstances is this document a violation of patients’ rights, hastening their death in process.
Rather, it is a way to help everyone realize patients’ wishes. The Supreme Court also made a verdict regarding a lawsuit against this document not so long ago that the law still hold true and is not euthanasia as some people had accused it to be.
A panel discussion about updates of laws on advance directives in Thailand was held last month at Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand.
ehospice.com
Something to think about guys..