Sophia needs our help

Hi all,

Our lovely, kind and beautiful friend Sophia was in a serious road accident last weekend.

I had been waiting until I could speak to her directly to find out what had really gone on before sharing the news. I'd had some misinformation about her injuries, and I'm actually really relieved that she isn't as bad as I'd been led to believe (although things could be much better). Then, once she was conscious, I waited until she was ready to ask for help, as she was hoping to find a way to cover the costs herself.

She moved to Thailand earlier this year for work and has been living a motorbike ride outside of a town in Surat Thani. This meant riding her bike to go anywhere. She was hit off of her motorbike by a big car last weekend.

She has written the following account of her accident for you. She's being quite conservative about her injuries here. Her smashed pelvis is going to take a year to heal, and for the time being she will be in a wheelchair. She's going to have to spend a few months in Thailand before she can travel to Korea to stay with her mum. She'll need some assistance with daily tasks during that time, and the doctor says that she will never fully heal from her injuries……

“Dear friends.

I never actually thought I would ask for this, but now I'm asking you for help.

A week ago, due to my own stupidity (I won't describe the details, it's just very clear that it was my own fault, because MULTIPLE people told me not ride in the rain at night, but I did it anyway), I got into a serious accident. As a result, I had multiple fractions and dislocations which ended up in two operations which have cost me around 200,000 Thai Baht (around $5,750).

The driver who knocked me down is trying to escape, and I'm being pressured to pay the money (that I don't have) whilst we are waiting for the legal court.

Half of the sum is already covered. However, it's already been a heavy burden on my dear mother who actually helped me a lot throughout this very difficult time. I still owe roughly around one hundred thousand Thai Baht (almost $3,000US) to my boss (who covered the costs and is pressuring me for the money).

I didn't have the insurance because the school I worked for promised to give me one as soon as I got the work permit, but the process of getting it, however, appeared to be longer than I thought. So, by the time the accident happened, I was just about to get my work permit done. It wasn't my school's fault. it was just the circumstances.

I don't want to sound entitled and, to be honest, I wouldn't have asked for it if not for the circumstances given. But if anyone I know or don't know would like to help me out of this situation, any help will be very appreciated. In return, I can share the stories about what is happening around me, talk to you if you have a rough time, and also, if you'd like, share some contacts of the agents I know, and so on.

My first advice will be: NEVER go to Thailand without an insurance. The lesson was hard, but the lesson was learned. Second advice: never get too relaxed here. It seems all ‘sabai, sabai ‘ and nice at first. The people are very friendly and kind in general, especially in rural Thailand, but, as we all know, still water might be hiding rocks and roots underneath it. This is very common advice though: I bet that those who’ve lived in Thailand have experienced that themselves.

I'll attach the bills and the photos from the accident and the hospital below.

Thank you, and have a great day.”

Due to some issues with her visa and her school (not her fault), the insurance she should have had from them isn't covering her medical costs. In addition, the driver of the car is disputing her claim against his insurance, so she can't cover her medical bills for now. She also can't work in her condition, so she's going to need some help.

Sophia is a giver, and is the kind of girl to lend people money, even when she's broke. She's generous with her time and her home. She’s a teacher, a writer, a painter, a poet and a really compassionate soul. It would be great if her friends from Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and around the world could help to support her at this time.

I'm setting up this gofundme, as I can do this through my UK bank account. Unfortunately, gofundme.com is blocked in Vietnam, so people will need a VPN to donate this way. Our friend Varvara Drozdova is working on finding the best way to collect any funds here in Vietnam (and to then get the money over to Thailand, to pay her bills).

Right now, she and her mom need your help (in any way you can), as they are running out of money. I’ve set the target to cover the immediate bills and expenses for now.

I'll try to keep you all updated. <3