Days before, I had a plan to get into the city centre. The followings are the demonstration of what I could have done; 1. Brunch at home 2. Attempting to take three public transportations: ARL, MRT Blue Line, and BTS (free ride for Thai PWDs) 3. Having a talk over a cup of coffee at Starbucks, Gaysorn Village (I was offered a free drink) 4. Having a fine dining, a fabulous local steakhouse, at MBK Center (almost 1,000 Baht)

I came across a post from JS100 Radio that a blind gentleman was given a generous help by a security guard on the street. This is an inspiring and heart-touching story which should be encouraged. However, I would like to share another perspective as a person with disability (Note: I’m not a vision impairment person) The people with disabilities is given help by someone is always a beautiful moment. Thai people have a reputation of being kind, generous, and helpful. This is some of our positive nature that is acceptably well-known from visitors around the world. This scene of humanity …

I’ve informed from my fellow networks that the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UNSG), whose duty deal with PWDs and accessibility, have made a visit to Thailand. We took this wonderful opportunity to rush out providing them what we have done so far. A chance to meet with the UN’s high-rank officials is practically rare, but we did make it. I was highly appreciative for all the networks that helped arranging this meeting possible. No matter where and who we give a speech, the words that we share are the reflective truth.

This incident was a story while I was travelling in Japan at the beginning of this year. It took place at Bic Camera, Namba Store in Osaka. Bic Camera is a leading consumer electronics retailer chain in Japan. The store was extremely crowded at the day. Most of them were seemingly foreign visitors. I was waiting for an elevator for so long to go to the upper floor. Due to the crowd, every time the lift opened, it was packed with tons of customers that I wasn’t able to get in it. Believe it or not, I had been waiting …

[visualizer id=”11040″] Firstly, I would like to state that before I committed dedicating to what I’m doing now, I sincerely asked myself “What do I really want?”. I had a clear answer that “I want constructive changes to my beloved country.” Yes, it sounds too broad and looks much bigger than what I can do alone, but that’s what I really want. Any movements and activities that you have seen, I’ve planned to work as independent as I can although I realise that this approach would face some hindrances, especially monetary issue, “No money, no jobs done.” 

I came across here since I got a business discussion with my friend. I couldn’t help but went observing its priority parking down there at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floor of the mall. The result was that only the 4th-floor one was left for the parking. It seemed there was a high demand on this type of parking. I always saw those ineligible people who were indeed unnecessary to park on this spot but insisted to do so: pregnant but perfectly good condition, or an elderly with good health.

I hope the images could translate my gratitude toward these wonderful people who came to support us. Though their background was from the different field of professions, their common was the same: the media, active social activist, back-stage executive, photographer, translator, adviser, and an avid supporter. Any problems could be solved with our spirit of harmony. It is not an issue for a particular kind of person. But every one of us is in charge of it in some way. Let’s walk together!!  

27 August 2018, 13:00 p.m. The leading PWDs activists, in accordance with legal advisers, had approached on behalf of to request to the MBK Group Management in regard to the improvement of its priority parking and accessible facilities, as well as its premise management to avoid the same flaws in the future. In the private sector, innumerable buildings had failed to comply with the regulations regarding the use and design of priority parking, such as inadequate quantity, which subsequently damaged a wide range of users.

I believe that, practically, sometimes the rule of law comes after public mind, proper, and respect on people’s right. If we could achieve such a thing, we can live happily and equally with each other. Who has the right on accessible parking (only Wheelchair Symbol presented)? My sincerest answer is those in need.

I got this image from my young colleagues who was studying in the UK. It’s a priority park in Bicester Village, a large outlet in Oxford. At first sight, you must recognise immediately that it’s located in a developed country. Deep down you could see that: 1. It’s mostly unoccupied 2. No barrier on each lot 3. No staff authority or security officer Let’s do an anatomy, why this scene can happen: 1. Strict regulations and penalty 2. Justice law enforcement by authority 3. Respected by people In fact an violation and misuse of priority parking by selfish people happens …