Living Will In Thailand

Living Will In Thailand

Living Will in Thailand: Your Voice in End-of-Life Care

Understanding a Living Will

A Living Will in Thailand, also known as a Physician’s Directive, is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event you are unable to communicate those wishes yourself. This could be due to a terminal illness, a serious accident, or a condition that renders you incapable of making decisions. At times it can also be used where you are physically incapacitated say due to a broken leg where you are bed bound etc. The living will with medical evidence can at times be used for others to complete immigration and banking matters on your behalf. A separate Medical POA would not then be required with a living will in place.

Unlike a Last Will and Testament, which deals with the distribution of your assets after death, a Living Will focuses on your healthcare preferences while you are still alive.

The Importance of a Living Will in Thailand

A Living Will is crucial for several reasons:

• Peace of mind: Knowing that your wishes will be followed can provide you with a sense of peace and control over your end-of-life care.
• Reduces family stress: By clearly stating your preferences, you relieve your loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions during an emotionally charged time.
• Ensures your wishes are respected: A Living Will helps guarantee that your healthcare providers adhere to your stated desires.
• Legal protection: This document provides legal protection for your healthcare providers as they follow your directives.

What a Living Will in Thailand Can Include

Your Living Will can specify your preferences for a wide range of medical treatments, including:

• Life support: Whether you want to be kept on life support if you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state.
• Artificial nutrition and hydration: Your wishes regarding the use of feeding tubes.
• Pain management: Your desired level of pain relief.
• Organ donation: Whether you wish to donate your organs.
• Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders: Instructions on whether you want resuscitation efforts in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Creating Your Living Will

In Thailand, the Health Act of 2007 recognizes the legal validity of Living Wills. While there is no specific standardized form, it’s essential to consult with a legal professional to ensure your document complies with Thai law and accurately reflects your wishes.

Remember: A Living Will is a personal document that should be regularly reviewed and updated as your circumstances or preferences change.

By creating a Living Will, you are taking proactive steps to ensure that your healthcare decisions align with your values and beliefs, providing comfort and peace of mind for both yourself and your loved ones. The fees associated with the same are baht 6000.

The document would be drafted in English and Thai for clarity. Three copies are supplied.

You can also visit our sister company at http://www.isaanlawyers.com