Equality

In this ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, everyone is too busy in adapting things in life in order to get through it. This is already really difficult for the common people. Yet, things are way more difficult for the PWDs whose physical condition is highly limited and, therefore, need urgent supports from the government.

Last Tuesday I and Sai, Luther, and Nuu met together and had some mindful conversation. And we came to a conclusion that although we are physically different, we have common thing on the ground that everyone wants to be able to live independently and doesn’t necessarily require extra assistance all the time, just provide us some basic accessible infrastructure and facilities. Yep, what we want is not entirely different from others. But why we have to keep saying this again and again. Thanks

Problems, we could get it fixed easy. Moving Thailand forward as strong as we can, together.

I was invited to give a talk at an exhibition regarding accessibility. I wanted to tell everyone the truth about the incident on last year that why I smashed the BTS elevator. At first, this incident was aggressive and violent which everyone should avoid doing so. But since it already happened, we better find out the reasons. The Constitution of Thailand has stated clearly that “Human dignity, rights, liberties and equality of the people shall be protected. The Thai people, irrespective of their origins, sexes or religions, shall enjoy equal protection under this Constitution.” Well written. But in reality, PWDs …

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 …

Yesterday, we had a chance to show those international reporters both the MRT and BTS stations. I started our conversations with “I am concerned about Thailand’s big picture” and gave a scenario “Mr. Sam who is in a wheelchair and came to Thailand and faced several inconveniences due to the lack of facilities for disabled people. What impressions would he convey back home, about Thailand?” We started our journey from Su-wan-na-phum Thailand International Airport by taking the ARL, then the MRT and finished the journey at A-sok Train Station which is in Bangkok’s Central Business District.

Please Help MeThis morning, I got a call soon after I woke up. It appeared to be a very hotline asking for help from Jeab, and her team. They were going to Phit-sa-nu-lok for trip by AirAsia airline. One of her team member was an powered wheelchair user. The airline didn’t allow bringing his battery, necessary forpowered wheelchair, on board. So I suggested her to call any other hotlines for help, as possible as they could find, at the very intense moment.

New York City subway there’re still 350 stations in-accessible left totally 80% stations are unusable by people who can’t traverse stairs. And 25 stations got the elevators but recently remain as ‘out of service’

The secret walk wayFrom the bad news, inspired me to do this video. Everyone got choices on their own wished, but not for PWDs. We got no right to get access to the basic facilities easily, and we have no even right to be ..fear ..of anything. Check out the ‘Face on, the secret walk way… (Video with English closed caption)’