Accessibility Is Freedom

Lectures

Articles

  • I am glad to see that the Bangkok Traffic and Transport Department and related agencies are increasingly driving stronger change in Bangkok, with Universal Design now clearly included in the plan. I truly appreciate this.

    I am glad to see that the Bangkok Traffic and Transport Department and related agencies are increasingly driving stronger change in Bangkok, with Universal Design now clearly included in the plan. I truly appreciate this.

    I would like to leave a few initial comments: 1. Standards for accessibility facilities Compared with the past, the Universal Design work is reasonably good. However, I still find risk points in every project, such as tactile paving being laid in ways that may create danger, for example too close to trees or seating areas at bus stops. Universal Design is delicate work that directly affects the feelings and experiences of pedestrians. It should be handled in detail and improved properly. 2. Obstacles on sidewalks I understand that this involves coordination among many agencies and takes time. But this issue…

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  • Chiang Mai is opening its doors to welcome all travelers

    Chiang Mai is opening its doors to welcome all travelers

    I’ve heard many wheelchair user friends say they want to visit Chiang Mai but worry about accommodations — not knowing if there are accessible rooms. Today, I have good news to share. Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, is undergoing a big transformation. Many hotels now have rooms designed for wheelchair users, including Le Meridien, Akyra Manor, Anantara, Centara Riverside, and Marriott — each offers ADA-style rooms with roll-in showers, wider doorways, and easy-to-use elevators. Beyond hotels, attractions are adapting too. Chiang Mai Zoo has paved pathways and wheelchair rentals. Central Festival and Maya Mall have ramps and…

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  • 24 May 2026

    24 May 2026

    To: Department of Public Works, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Subject: Public questions regarding the new sidewalk standards Members of the public are pleased and grateful to see continuous sidewalk improvements. Referring to today’s post by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration page at 7:36 a.m. about the newly improved Pracharat Sai 2 sidewalk, as shown in the image, I would like to raise the following questions based on the points marked in the image: 1) Tactile guiding blocks: At the bus stop seating area, if a blind person walks along this route, could they be obstructed, inconvenienced, or risk stumbling into people sitting…

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  • Will We Even Make It to the Hospital?

    Will We Even Make It to the Hospital?

    The crosswalk in front of Phramongkutklao Hospital should be one of the safest places for everyone to cross. But in reality, it is full of obstacles. ⚠️ The ramp is damaged and dangerous for wheelchair users ♿ and people using all kinds of wheeled mobility aids. At the median island, the placement of poles, motorcycle barriers, and other obstacles 🚧 makes crossing even more difficult for people with disabilities, older adults, young children, and anyone with limited mobility. Even the pedestrian crossing button is out of reach for wheelchair users. 🔘 This is not just a problem at this location…

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