Tag Archives: TA_Boat

In some ways, everyone can contribute to the country on what they’re good at. Check out our last release video and article (in Thai): https://business.facebook.com/AccessibilityIsFreedom/posts/2144098138946153 https://business.facebook.com/AccessibilityIsFreedom/posts/2144110395611594

On behalf of T4A (Transportation for All), we were invited to join a regional dialogue held by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). The topic this year was “2018 AICHR Regional Dialogue on the Mainstreaming of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community” / Accessibility through Universal Design) AICHR is an intergovernmental commission whose goal shares the same with us: human rights. Some of our leading activists and networks were presented in the event including Mr. Monthian Buntan. The topic was mainly about Universal Design. Once my turn has come, I began with… “We have …

The answer is “NO”. The cost of the installation of elevators and ramps on every access point on every station account for just about 1% of the whole project’s cost. To say, no matter the cost, this is a thing that needs to be done. There is no excuse of not doing that and even the law has regulated this clearly since 13 years ago. Importantly, given this emphasis, the Prime Minister has stated firmly that “We won’t leave anyone behind.”

Because it fails to provide, by law, the accessible infrastructure and its additional supports with perfect conditions which make PWDs, as well as less-abled persons, difficulties in getting access with maximum comfort and safety. This is especially true on elevators, with its ramps, in which there are only two of them installed on each station although each station comprises of four entrances-and-exits.

The disability rights activists and networks issuing a prosecution toward MRT Purple Line. The Declaration of Thailand’s National Day of Persons with Disabilities. Thailand’s law has been composed clearly regarding the provision of accessible infrastructure and public services. Thailand’s Prime Ministers, from former to current generations, have regarded this as necessity with the responsive awareness from the Minister of Transports. Although they realise that the provision of accessible infrastructure and its additional supports would approximately account for just less than 3% of a whole project’s cost, and although they recognise that this is such an essential element that every one …

Believe it or not, a virtually good fish ball, rich in texture and mild in flavour, is so rare to find. But I found one. It happened about two years ago when I roamed around Rama2 area of Bangkok and randomly encountered with a local noodle & fish ball shop. I was first amazed by its high level of accessibility, considering that it’s local. Be it a slope, a toilet, or even a seat table and many more.

We’ve done an epic Facebook LIVE at Asoke intersection, a heart of Bangkok considered as a gateway to Thailand. Our special guests, Ben and Cordia, were experts in this field. Both are giving lecture at Thammasat University where Ben is an architect while Cordia is specializing in Service Design. During the end of the LIVE, an unexpected show-up of Mr. Mal, an Aussie gentleman, had provided a more candid feedback toward the topic.

The image had been taken during the beginning of October. Last year, Boat continued his degree in the UK for one year and now he’s recently graduated and headed back to Thailand. Some of you might already recognise our group of #TranslationForChange Teams. And Boat is one of them who has been active for almost two years, mainly translating from Thai to English. While he was in the UK, he remained so active in helping this. It’s another example that our world today is absolutely boundless, we can work from almost anywhere.

I haven’t come here for two months. Today I decided to make a comeback to have some exercise. Before that, I did some preparation: have a food and sleep. This time, I changed to Lumpini Park, a wonderful park in the heart of central Bangkok, and achieved two rounds in total: 10.12km + 5.49km. Since it had been a bit long living on a busy life with no exercise, I could feel a bit hurtful and not as enduring as before. Anyway, a bit of water and energy drink could lift up my energy to accomplish my speed wheel. And …

The “Accessibility Is Freedom Fundraising” project by Khun Awn who initiated this idea on year 2017 and 2018 was the 2nd anniversary. It’s such a thoughtful and lovely day where the gathering of supporters cherishes. The voluntary contribution of money so far accounts for 54,270 THB, plus 50 AUD. A groups of supporters consist of “Thais in Perth“, “Pa-ya-krut (Garuda) and their friends“, and many more who wish to stay anonymous. The image below from Khun Awn includes: