Bangkok: Chaiwat Sathavorawichit, the People's Party's candidate for Bangkok Governor, has announced a policy initiative to create 5,000 caregiver positions to support bedridden patients throughout the city. Emphasizing his commitment to making Bangkok a city that cares for its residents, Chaiwat's proposal aims to address the challenges faced by families caring for bedridden members. According to Thai News Agency, Chaiwat, candidate number 10, along with Mahatthawat Phonphetara, the People's Party's candidate for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council in Thung Khru District, visited the Thung Khru Pattana community to meet with bedridden patients, including "Uncle Waeng," who relies on his elderly wife for care. Chaiwat highlighted the difficulties families face when balancing caregiving with earning a livelihood, a struggle he understands personally, having cared for his own bedridden father. Chaiwat pointed out that Bangkok currently has over 15,000 bedridden patients but only about 3,000 caregivers, many of w hom are part-time with insufficient compensation. His policy proposes creating 5,000 additional caregiver jobs, offering training for community members and volunteers to become professional caregivers earning up to 15,000 baht per month. The initiative also includes care vouchers for all 15,000 bedridden patients, allowing them to access 16 hours of caregiver services weekly. This measure aims to reduce the burden on families, enabling them to focus on their careers. Additionally, Chaiwat proposed establishing centers for borrowing and returning patient care equipment to further ease financial pressures on families. Chaiwat concluded with a message of solidarity, stating that the People's Party envisions a Bangkok where no family bears the burden of caregiving alone, and the city supports its citizens when they need it most.
