Monk in a wheelchair saved from roadside waterway
In a tragic incident that occurred on Monday near Wat Masong school in Thaweewattana subdistrict, Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi Province, Phra Vichai Saetang, a 57-year-old monk at Wat Masong, found himself in distress when his electric wheelchair, his primary means of mobility due to his disability, ran off the road and overbalanced, causing him to fall into a roadside canal.
Phra Vichai Saetang, who lost his left leg due to diabetes, was on his morning alms round in his electric wheelchair when the accident occurred. A group of people, including students, quickly rushed to his aid and managed to rescue him from the canal. Despite the ordeal, Phra Vichai Saetang sustained minor injuries, including abrasions to his forehead, legs, and knees. Unfortunately, his electric wheelchair, now water-damaged and malfunctioning, was photographed after the incident.
Following the incident, Phra Vichai Saetang was taken to Sai Noi Hospital for a medical check-up and was able to bathe and change at Wat Masong after being rescued. Currently, he is using a smaller, manual wheelchair borrowed from another monk, which is not well suited to his larger build.
For those who wish to help Phra Vichai Saetang, consider the following steps to donate a new or second-hand electric wheelchair:
1. Research Local Organizations: Look for organizations in Thailand that assist people with disabilities. While there isn't specific information on organizations in Nonthaburi, you might find local charities or monasteries that could facilitate the donation.
2. Contact UN Agencies: Reach out to United Nations agencies in Thailand, such as UNHCR or other UN organizations, to see if they have any programs that could help facilitate donations for individuals with disabilities.
3. International Disability Ministries: Organizations like Joni and Friends, which has international reach, might be able to guide or assist in donating wheelchairs to individuals in need. However, their primary focus is not specifically in Thailand, so direct contact would be necessary to explore possibilities.
4. Wheelchair Professional Networks: The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) might have resources or contacts in Thailand who could help with the donation and distribution of wheelchairs.
5. Local Monasteries and Temples: Directly contacting monasteries in Nonthaburi or nearby areas could provide a more personal connection and ensure the donation reaches the intended recipient.
6. Logistical Considerations: Ensure that the wheelchair is suitable for the recipient's needs (e.g., size, weight capacity) and consider any necessary customs or import regulations for donating a wheelchair to Thailand.
By following these steps, you can help provide Phra Vichai Saetang with a new electric wheelchair, enabling him to continue his daily activities with greater ease and independence.
- Phra Vichai Saetang's accident has underscored the importance of fitness-and-exercise and mental-health, as mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, are crucial for daily living and self-care.
- The tragic incident has shed light on the general-news topic of health-and-wellness, particularly for individuals with disabilities, and the need for accessible and reliable mobility solutions.
- Donating a new or second-hand electric wheelchair to Phra Vichai Saetang can also have a broader impact on science, as contributions towards innovation in wheelchair technology can benefit more people with mobility challenges, contributing to advancements in both fitness-and-exercise and mental-health.
