Travel for Disabled People
in Thailand
Travel for Disabled People
Wheelchair friendly travel for disabled people wishing to visit Thailand can still enjoy the wonderful sites and exotic beauty the country has to offer. This is in spite of some facilities for the handicapped being somewhat underdeveloped. I emphasize this because should you wish to wonder around on your own, you may find some streets and paths around many of the cities and resorts a little daunting at times. They are uneven and riddled with potholes and broken curbs. Many are studded with unforeseen obstructions. Even for the non-disabled, you would need to be especially careful. Occasionally you get to see cobblers on many a street corner repairing damaged shoes caused by holes on pavements. Just trying to cross the major streets in Bangkok without utilizing the pedestrian bridges is to court potential disaster. The steep flight of stairs on either side of the overhead walkways are most certainly no-go-zones for any disabled person. As for blind people, there are no audio signals at any of the traffic crossings. Most of the International hotels and upscale shopping centers are wheelchair accessible, although access ramps to many buildings and some temples are often non-existent. You would definitely require some assistance in these areas. Another problem is that the normal taxi service is not sufficiently geared up to assist you should you be disabled as they lack storage space for wheelchairs. There are however specially adapted and modified wheelchair taxis and buses available for hire which have ample room to accommodate your every need.
The hiring of a private car of course, could be your most reliable alternative.
The Underground Rail System
Travel for Disabled People
Although the
Skytrain in Bangkok
has disabled facilities at five of their major terminals, access to other stations can be burdensome for wheelchair users. Apparently plans are in the pipeline to build elevators to alleviate the problem.The Bangkok Underground Rail System is far better equipped with elevator access for the handicapped at all of it's stations. The trains have special locking devises for wheelchairs and assistance is also available for you should you ask. As far as the national rail network is concerned, there are no special facilities for disabled passengers but assistance will be given to you should you request it. You would think however that the new
Suvarnabhumi Airport
would provide a better service for the disabled but there is a total lack of elevators and toilet facilities thus making it somewhat inappropriate for wheelchair users.
Private Pool Hoist for the Disabled
Accommodation for the Disabled
In Thailand there are several villas, homes and apartments available for disabled people to rent should you so wish. Some have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate up to 6 people. Other amenities include kitchens, living rooms and verandas with terraces as well as swimming pools all with easily accessible hoists for the physical challenged. Some homes even provide you with a jacuzzi. Many have electrical adjustable beds, self propelled shower wheelchairs and or fixed shower seats with hand grips as well as hand grips on both sides of the toilets. Some have separate living quarters for housekeepers who can provide you with various services such as cleaning, cooking and grocery shopping. I have located a website dedicated in assisting you with suitable lodging at the beach resort of
Hua Hin
in the Gulf of Thailand. Hua Hin is close to Bangkok and is fast becoming a popular destination for tourists. The selection of self catering accommodation at
wheelchair accessible holiday homes for disabled people
should greatly help you in making your vacation just that little bit extra special.
Wheelchair Scooter
Travel for Disabled People Contacts
Please contact the Association for the Physically Handicapped of Thailand should you need some additional assistance. Their office is located at 73/7-8 Soi 8 Thanon Tivanon Talaat Kawan, Nonthaburi 11000. Telephone: 0 2951 0445 or 0 2951 0569. Fax 0 2951 0567. Their e-mail address is: apht@loxinfo.co.th.
The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality
is an educational nonprofit membership organization whose main mission is to raise awareness for the needs of all travellers with disabilities. They assist in removing physical and attitudinal barriers to travel access opportunities across the globe. Contact them at 347 Fifth Avenue, Suite 610, New York USA 10016 or telephone on (212) 447 7284. Another website worth visiting online is
Miusa Mobility International
which is a USA based organization that empowers people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights. You can also contact them at 132 E. Broadway, Suite 343 Eugene, Oregon USA 97401 or telephone them on (541) 343-1284.
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