[REVIEW] Silom Complex’s Building Access

Located in the heart of Silom, a prime financial district of Bangkok, Silom Complex (a branch of the Central Group) has been here for 29 years, providing world-class offerings.

Yet, I can’t enjoy that world-class things because I simply can’t get there. The easiest way to access Silom Complex is via BTS link which is directly connected from BTS Sala Daeng Station. But this link is built as “staircase” as I’ll elaborate soon.

[Access from BTS Skytrain station] 1. 7 Steps of steep staircase separating you from the gateway.

[Access from Street Level]
2. No elevator or slope from the station at all.
3. 2-3 inches difference of street surface between public footpath and private walkway.
4. 7 steps staircase in front of the mall.
5. Slope is NOT FIT on 1:12 slope ratio and the surface material is slippery. (especially when it’s wet.)

[Campaign]
1. I always use this specific point as a case study to lecture university students. I also visited there many times with teams.
2. I made a field survey with a representative from Senator Committee on 4 March 2020 (https://fb.watch/8DJTtBiyyj/)

3. A month later, on 3 April 2020, I exemplified this issue on my talk at TEDxTalk by TEDxCharoenkrung  (https://youtu.be/MdujSm4JTJs  https://www.ted.com/talks/manit_intharapim)

[The Current Access Situation]
1. Kindly ask passerby to carry me down there. (like an object.) This could be a life sentence for me if an accident occurs.
2. So my safest, and toughest, choice is bring myself 300 m. away to adjacent MRT Silom Station which has an elevator to street level. Then I take the elevator down the street and wheel-back all the way through adventurous footpath in a poor condition. The total distance is 600 m.
3. Finally, yep I use the slope way beside the mall’s entrance. (Yes, that slippery one)

[Who’s Responsible?]
1. Silom Complex
2. BTS-the operator / BMA-the system owner and the regulator
3. The architect and designer who have done this wonderful job.

[The Legitimate Body Supporting Us?]
1. EIA, station layout and access design
2. Building Control Act, Accessible Facilities for Disabled Persons and Elderly Act, and several Acts in this regard (https://www.accessibilityisfreedom.org/กฏหมายไทยที่เกี่ยวข้องกับคนพิการ/)
3. Constitution of Thailand
4. Thailand’s Transport Infrastructure Development Strategy
5. Government policy

Now, you might think I’m such a toxic man who only blames things but suggests no solutions.
I just want to say that the solution is simpler than you think. You just let us participate in the design process at the first place!!! That’s more than enough.