Accessible Facilities

I often dropped myself to shop at neighboring Makro Srinakarin, a major hypermarket in Thailand. I found its accessible parking was built with accurate engineering standard. The security officers also always kept an eyes on it to protect the rights of PWDs. The supporting elements like signboard was big and outstanding enough to detect. Big thanks to the Makro Srinakarin management team.  

One pothole for accessible parking is that there is yet “legal punishment” to legally penalize the wrongdoers. It just stated ‘who’ is eligible to park on. I always address this issue that if you want to dissolve this problem completely, we must holistically cover it in every aspects; supporting, encouraging, and punishing. I give you one small, obvious example of “No-Smoking-on-public” law.

13 August 2020 I did a restroom test at MRT Rama 9 subway station, and found some concerns that I had to address to the general public as the followings: 1. The accessible restroom has only 1 unit while the typical restroom has so many. 2. The typical restroom is easy to get access, people just walk into it. 3. Previously, the accessible restroom is often misused by ineligible people. So now it’s always locked, making the most affected person belongs to the PWDs. 4. PWDs is like everyone. They are human with flesh and blood, and must poo when …

Last Tuesday was my first field survey after long Bangkok’s lockdown. Some of ARL officers still remember me. We exchanged warm greeting happily. Every trip of mine is the investigation in itself. This time I took ARL service from Huamark to Makkasan station. They provided me a wheelchair ramp in getting access with warm service mind and professional hospitality. I highly satisfied. Note: You can ask officer at anytime when you need a wheelchair ramp service. They’re well-trained and more than happy to assist you.

Both images took place in a different time scale of 30 years. It exemplifies the voices of brave PWDs (people with disabilities) who stand up to demand a basic human rights, stated by the constitutions. Yet, from the past till present time, most PWDs remain unable to go out of home conveniently, to go to school and hospital, to work and make a living individually. This is a living, catastrophic summary of the basic human rights of PWDs in Thailand. What else could be worse?

From the previous post, I asked what you think about this new accessible toilet shown on the image. I was astonished by the seas of opinions fluxing into the comments. This included those key people in fields of design and architecture who messaged me directly and exchanged interesting insights. Thank you everyone.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Now I’d like to share my thought that might contradict many people’s impression. At first sight they might perceive “WOW this toilet is great, so accessible and is good-looking!”. But well, as a man in this profession I can point out many obvious flaws. Before we get into …

One of our strong followers sent me this image, taken on last year when he roamed in Japan, of an accessible parking at a shopping mall in Japan. He said excitedly “I shot this scene specifically for you!” Oh my dear, I feel warmed and thankful. This is one my encouragements to keep moving forward.

To allow us to see the differences, see the problems and to improve them. Accessible parking for the one who really need.

When a place doesn’t provide an accessible parking, and when the people misuse it, this is what happen in my daily live. Help us to share… Clip: https://youtu.be/1xdRl24CF0A

Our friend sent us this image, shot at a brand-new luxury boutique hotel at Langsuan area of Bangkok, showing a brand-new accessible toilet with nice decor and he said… “Wow, this is great. What a lovely toilet. Everyone in need can use it. Thank you hotel!” This might be the first reaction from many of you. The toilet is great, and nothing is wrong with that. Yet from my point of view as a PWDs, a real user, I’m afraid to say that this good-looking toilet still holds some “serious flaws” that could prevent entirely those in need from using …