“Chaiwat” promotes a policy to create 5,000 caregiver positions to support bedridden patients throughout Bangkok, setting a wage rate of 15,000 baht per month to ease family burdens.
On 2 June 2026, Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, a candidate for Bangkok governor from the Prachachon Party, visited Thung Khru Phatthana community in Thung Khru district to listen to residents’ concerns. He was accompanied by Mr. Mahatthawat Pornpetra, a candidate for Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) in Thung Khru district. They visited bedridden patients’ homes before proceeding to Chom Thong district with Mr. Kitti Jongpipitphon, BMC candidate for Chom Thong district, number 1, to follow up on public space development and water transport systems.
Mr. Chaiwat revealed that during his visit to Thung Khru Phatthana community, he met “Uncle Waeng,” a bedridden patient cared for mainly by his similarly aged wife. Their children had to work daily labor jobs, so taking leave to care for or accompany their father to medical appointments directly affected their income. He said he deeply understood this issue, having previously cared for his own bedridden father for two years before his passing.
“Many families struggle to balance caring for loved ones and earning a living. When the city cannot help ease this burden, it is like turning its back on citizens when they need help the most,” Mr. Chaiwat said. He added that Bangkok currently has 15,000 bedridden patients but only 3,000 caregivers, who are mostly part-time and earn just 3,000 baht per month—an insufficient and unrealistic rate.
The Prachachon Party therefore proposes to upgrade the community healthcare system by creating 5,000 caregiver positions, training community members and Bangkok health volunteers (OrSorSor) into professionals, and revising wages to 120 baht per hour or up to 15,000 baht per month for full-time workers. They will issue free caregiving coupons for bedridden patients, allowing all 15,000 patients to access 16 hours of caregiver service weekly. This will give family members time to work. Additionally, they plan to establish medical equipment loan centers near homes, offering free borrowing of patient care devices to reduce hidden family expenses.
Mr. Chaiwat concluded by saying the Prachachon Party believes Bangkok must be a city that cares for everyone, not allowing one person’s illness to become a burden that weakens the entire household. The party is ready to transform Bangkok into a city that genuinely supports and cares for the people its residents love.