A clip from a police officer from the Khlong Toei 08 unit shows an elderly woman sitting in a wheelchair in the middle of the Customs Department intersection. The officer asked with concern, “So why did you come out here?” Her answer: she has to do this every day. She’s a “regular” at this intersection — and it seems the officer knows her well. Seeing this makes it even more worrying.
Google Earth imagery from May 2024 shows all four corners of this intersection lack curb ramps, and she crosses outside the crosswalk. High-speed cars and plenty of trucks make this deeply concerning.
Ministerial regulations from 2005 and the 2021 amendment require curb ramps whenever surface levels differ by more than 20 millimeters. Under Section 15 of the Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act, missing curb ramps count as indirect discrimination. Thailand ratified the UN CRPD—Article 9 on accessibility—in 2008, 18 years ago.
The most urgent task is keeping this grandmother safe. The officer sees her often, so I’m asking him to coordinate with the Khlong Toei District Office to arrange immediate care.
Meanwhile, the District Office and BMA Department of Public Works, which oversee sidewalks and standards, must fix this spot right away—install ramps on all four corners—and urgently audit other Bangkok intersections for the same problem. Don’t wait for Trafy app reports.
A safe city isn’t one person’s job; we all contribute. Don’t wait for an accident to strike this grandmother—by then it may be too late. Share this so those in charge see it and act quickly.
Sources: Khlong Toei 08 police clip and Google Earth