Europen kids in Thailand

[Phil_in_Thai]

Ok this is way off topic yet Im likely to get more realistic answers here than anywhere else.

Two French speaking boys (7 and 5) lost their parents juast over a year ago and currently being cared for by an aunt. Same school, near supportive family.

The Thai grandmother wants them taken to Thailand permenantly. I can sympathise yet alarm bells are ringing loudly. They dont speak Thai for a start and the 'home' they will be going to wouldnt pass as a garage in Europe. Ive seen it.

Anyone here have any firsthand experience of what is likely to happen if they are 'moved'?

BTW: I have no power save influence here but I am stuck between a rock and a hard place becasue I know all parties involved.....and wish I didnt.

[LivinLOS]

To take kids away from being a westerner, with a western education, and western opportunities for thier life as they grow and work.. Well thats a terrible thing IMO.

I assume they are half Thai and have dual nationality.. In which case when they are teens or after they have an education they can, as adults, come and live in Thailand and choose where they have thier best advantages.

The Thai granny may mean well, its normal in Thailand for extended family to care for kids, but the fact is she would be cursing them to a life of poor education, no skills, low earning power, etc..

The trick would be to arrange a summer vacation scene to Thailand so they can experience thier Thai culture without having granny kidnap them or any other horror story.

Just to be really cynical.. Dont forget that there is a possibility (however slim) that there is the idea they could be paid for caring for these kids, that in itself isnt unusual here but the farang connection may be giving granny dollar signs in her head.

[Capt. Fantastic]

Do not wish to appear trite, but...

Avail yourself of the Western legal system. Speak to an attorney. Assuming you have some... not sure what it would be termed. In the insurance business it is called "insurable interest." IOW, you cannot insure the Eiffel Tower but you can insure your home. If an attorney can establish such a connection between you and these kids you are not powerless.

But at least an attorney can tell you the options. Are you willing to spend a couple of thousand dollars US to find out?

And do not forget... some people are just SOL (sh1t out of luck). Orphans fall into this category. One reason parents should (but rarely do) have a plan (funded by a life insurance policy) for that deplorable situation. If the parents did not plan-- and it sounds as if they did not-- then it is not something you did wrong.