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Accessibility Is Freedom

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  • In Memoriam: Teerayut Sukonthawit, The Man Who Transformed Disability Rights in Thailand

    In Memoriam: Teerayut Sukonthawit, The Man Who Transformed Disability Rights in Thailand

    With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of P’Kate — Teerayut Sukonthawit, Director of the Nonthaburi Independent Living Center for People with Disabilities and a fierce advocate for disability rights. He was a courageous voice who transformed the conversation about people with disabilities in Thai society — shifting the narrative from “charity” to “rights and dignity.” He championed the Personal Assistant (PA) system, making it known and accessible so that people with severe disabilities could live independently with honor. His words still echo in the hearts of those who heard them: “People with severe disabilities — if their parents have…

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  • 26 Years of Progress – Accessible Buses Grow Every Year, We’re Heading to the Goal

    26 Years of Progress – Accessible Buses Grow Every Year, We’re Heading to the Goal

    Thai buses have had wheelchair-accessible vehicles for over two decades, but equality remains a challenge waiting to be solved. The good news is #BMTA is bringing 1,520 electric buses into service. It won’t be long now — I read the TOR and it’s not concerning. This is an opportunity to make every bus accessible from day one. In the same timeframe, Japan 🇯🇵 has reached 95% barrier-free buses through systematic planning and straightforward goal-setting. Thailand has 31% — a figure that reflects our progress. It’s a challenge, but an achievable goal if we all work together. From small voices, we’ve…

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  • “Japan Raises Disability Employment Quota to 2.7%”

    “Japan Raises Disability Employment Quota to 2.7%”

    Japan will raise its disability employment quota from 2.3% → 2.7%, taking effect July 2026. Even now, workers with disabilities comprise only 2.41% of the workforce—already below target. Just 46% of companies currently meet their obligations. The policy packs both punch and promise: skip your quota, pay ¥50,000 per person monthly (and get named publicly); exceed it, earn ¥29,000 per person monthly. JEED provides full-spectrum support. Panasonic earned the Zero Project Award 2026 for genuine co-creation with people with disabilities—involving them in product design from day one. Thailand 🇹🇭 has a 1:100 quota, yet only 6–8% of people with disabilities…

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  • “Europe’s Accessibility Law Has Been Enforced for 10 Months – Where Does Thailand Stand?”

    “Europe’s Accessibility Law Has Been Enforced for 10 Months – Where Does Thailand Stand?”

    Since June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act has been in force for nearly a year. Businesses worldwide selling products in Europe must comply with accessibility standards. Over 87 million people with disabilities across the European Union now truly live more accessible lives. The law covers mobile phones, ATMs, banking systems, public transport, websites, and applications. Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are leading with rigorous standards. Businesses that fail to comply can no longer sell in the European market. Europe enforces strict accessibility legislation covering the private sector, while Thailand🇹🇭 still lacks a specific legal framework for digital accessibility in business.…

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