I wheeled my chair from my place to the BTS station — just 800 meters. And it was a test of how much this city respects me.
Over half of Bangkok’s residents walk to connect to public transit. For most people, 800 meters takes 10 minutes. For me in a wheelchair, it takes more than double. These are the details that decide whether you get to work on time, whether you’re safe, whether you’re comfortable.
Over the past 4 years, Bangkok has upgraded more than 1,000 kilometers of sidewalks — exceeding its target. But when you look at the details, we still haven’t met the minimum standard for sidewalk quality. That’s shocking.
Bangkok has 5.4 million people. Around 186,000 are registered as people with disabilities — about 3.5%. But whatever the percentage, even one person matters. We can’t afford to leave anyone behind.
Good sidewalks aren’t just about looks. They’re an investment in every human being. When everyone can move safely and easily — no matter how our bodies change — we can still go to work, go shopping, and live life freely.
A good sidewalk, a good city — it makes my disability disappear.
When everyone has equal access to mobility, that’s sustainable urban development.
Sources: BMA, TDRI