blindave13
11/5/2014 11:06 EST
I am a 43-year-old single American looking for a new place to call home. Am currently living on $1600 per month in Social Security disability and am being severely squeezed here in the states. I have heard about parts of Thailand where there are lots of Americans and about the low-cost rent and other necessities. I have been looking at central and south America but would also consider South East Asia as well. What a blind American be able to live in Thailand? I would want to hire someone to help me with shopping and occasional cooking and other errands. Would I even be able to get a visa? Especially on my income
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caughtintheact
From: Thailand
11/5/2014 11:44 EST
Hi,
As far as I know there are no immigration programs in Thailand that would cover your situation, but that does not necessarily mean that there are none. You are too young to retire here (minimum age is 50), and the minimum income to retire here is approximately $2000/month (about 65,000 Thai Baht at a rate of 32.5 baht:1 dollar.
Are you able to teach Braille? And do you think that you might be able to teach English to the blind? Have you looked into the possibilities of teaching here for an International organization for the blind?
A Google search for - thailand organizations for the blind - will turn up a number of organizations that you might be able to contact.
Since Thailand is planning to implement the ASEAN Economic Cooperation at the end of 2015, there is a lot of emphasis on learning English, so perhaps you can find a fit.
There are a number of areas where Americans live here, such as beach areas along Thailand's long coasts, and I imagine that finding someone to help out part time should be possible.
Since it sounds like you have not been here before, though, the weather can get quite hot (to over 100F during the hot season with very high humidity, depending on which part of the country you are in.
After you check on some of the possibilities, if decide that you are serious about coming here, send me a Private message with an email address and I will send you some more information.
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caughtintheact
From: Thailand
11/5/2014 11:44 EST
Hi,
As far as I know there are no immigration programs in Thailand that would cover your situation, but that does not necessarily mean that there are none. You are too young to retire here (minimum age is 50), and the minimum income to retire here is approximately $2000/month (about 65,000 Thai Baht at a rate of 32.5 baht:1 dollar.
Are you able to teach Braille? And do you think that you might be able to teach English to the blind? Have you looked into the possibilities of teaching here for an International organization for the blind?
A Google search for - thailand organizations for the blind - will turn up a number of organizations that you might be able to contact.
Since Thailand is planning to implement the ASEAN Economic Cooperation at the end of 2015, there is a lot of emphasis on learning English, so perhaps you can find a fit.
There are a number of areas where Americans live here, such as beach areas along Thailand's long coasts, and I imagine that finding someone to help out part time should be possible.
Since it sounds like you have not been here before, though, the weather can get quite hot (to over 100F during the hot season with very high humidity, depending on which part of the country you are in.
After you check on some of the possibilities, if decide that you are serious about coming here, send me a Private message with an email address and I will send you some more information.
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anajonb
11/15/2014 06:43 EST
Hi, great info on that earlier post, but wanted to fill you in on a few more things. I wouldn't recommend any place in the south for you, with the possible exception of Hua Hin. Most are touristy and way over priced, and some are over-run with the Russian and Thai mafias fighting it out for control of the public transportation businesses, Much, much nicer and affordable, is the north, like Chiang Mai and other areas. If the Thai authorities would grant you an exception because of your lack of sight, then you probably live reasonable well on your income. If you could find a part-time job teaching, you could live close to your school and institution, in the downtown area. Many people get by on very little here, ie., 1000-1500 US, a month. Best of luck...John
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hbft58
11/16/2014 01:07 EST
I live in Hua hin for the last 6 months, and it is a wonderful little town. The sidewalks are so uneven and broken bricks I would not recommend them for vision impaired even if you have someone with you they have to watch where they step and you too. The walkways have crosswalks but even if the lights are red they still do not stop. It can be very dangerous crossing the road. I would be afraid of someone taking advantage of you. The Thais are very friendly sometimes too much. Some farangs are arrogant can not trust them. I stay in condo with security guards everywhere and condo building is locked too. Getting in and out of my condo is like fort knox. But I feel very safe with Husband. I hope this helps. I thought you should know.
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caughtintheact
From: Thailand
11/16/2014 03:08 EST
This organization migtht5 be a good one to contact. They probably have information on seeing eye dogs as well as options for coming to Thailand.
Foundation for the Blind in Thailand
420 Rajavidhi Road, Rajathevee, Bangkok, 10400
Tel: +66 2-354-8365
Fax: +66 2-354 8369
E-Mail: uraiwans@blind.or.th
Searches for service dogs, guide dogs in Thailand might also turn up useful information. Another possibility is a search for guide dogs for the blind in Thailand.
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caughtintheact
From: Thailand
11/16/2014 03:42 EST
Here are some other organizations that might be of use:
Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand
73/7-8 Soi 8, Soi Thepprasan
Tivanon Rd.
Talaat Kawan, Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel: 951-0569
Fax: 580-1098 ext. 7
Disabled Peoples International (Thailand)
78/2 Tivanon Rd.
Pak Kret, Nonthaburi 11120
Thailand
Tel: 583-3021
Fax: 583-6518
COUNCIL OF DISABLED PEOPLE OF THAILAND (DPIT)
Mr. Suppacheep Didthad
Room No.7-8 3rd Floor APCD Bldg.,
255 Rajvithi Rd.,
Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400,
Thailand
Telephone: +662-354-4260-1
Fax: +662-354-4260-1
Email: cpdtthailand(at)gmail[dot]com
Website: http://www.cpdt.or.th
and this site contains a list of organizations for the handicapped in Thailand
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