Click here to go to 
AngloINFO Bangkok's front pageClick here to visit a list of
AngloINFO's local reference INFOrmation Pages
AngloINFO

· Global Home

· About

· Contact

· Corporate

· Franchising

· News

· Privacy

Bangkok Local Reference INFOrmation
Share Share | Print Print
INFOrmation

Notes For The Disabled in Thailand

Overview of where to go and what to do if you are mobility, sight or hearing impaired - a wheelchair or cane user - and living in or visiting Bangkok. Information on the Thai organisations and facilities.

The vast majority of disabled Thai people live in rural areas. Generally, it is the responsibility of the family to care for and provide for their disabled relatives, and there is very little state help available. Traditionally in Thailand disabled people have been regarded as unemployable, although this attitude is changing. However, there are still few opportunities for disabled people to receive the training necessary to become independent. Although there are many people willing to give aid to disabled people, there is not much help in integrating them fully into Thai society.

Travel & Getting Around

Thailand is not an easy place to visit for people with reduced mobility or other disabilities. The larger resorts and tourist attractions provide facilities for disabled people but in rural areas public transport is limited and often inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Moving around the city can be extremely difficult for disabled people. The streets and pavements are uneven and few buildings provide ramps and handrails to aid disabled access. Guide dogs are rare and there are no audio signals for the blind on traffic crossings.

A project has been announced by the Bangkok governor along with the Disabled People International Asia-Pacific Region to ensure that Bangkok pavements are easily navigable for those with reduced mobility. A commitment has also been made to make public transport more accessible.

Public transport

Public transport is not usually equipped to facilitate disabled access. Public buses are inaccessible to wheelchair users. Disabled people are usually forced to travel through the cities by taxi. However, few taxi drivers are experienced or trained in helping a wheelchair-bound customer in and out of their cars.

Sky Train (BTS) stations in Bangkok are on two levels, with ticketing on the lower level and the trains on the upper, making access difficult for wheelchair users. At the moment only five of the stations provide disabled access. However, there are plans for elevators to be built at the other stations.

The national rail network has no special facilities for disabled passengers but assistance will be given to those who ask.

The Bangkok underground (Metro) has better disabled access and all of the stations have elevators. Assistance will be given to disabled passengers if requested. On the trains there are locks for wheelchairs.

At Suvarnabhumi Airport the lack of elevators and disabled toilet facilities makes it difficult for wheelchair users.

Disability Benefits

There are few funds available for disabled persons.

Registered Thai nationals with disabilities are entitled to free medical rehabilitation services. The primary source of assistance to disabled people in Thailand is through community-based help from Non-Governmental Organisations, but these are generally available for disabled Thai nationals only.

  • For information about government and non-governmental organisations for the disabled: Click here
  • For a list of non-governmental organisations: Click here
Education For Children with Disabilities

Legally, all disabled persons are entitled to 12 years of free, basic education. However, the vast majority of schools in Thailand do not cater for disabled children. As a result, a child with a disability attends a special school which caters only to children with similar disabilities. Not many schools cater to disabled children so it is not always easy for children with disabilities to get an education.

Training For Disabled People
  • For programmes and courses offering training to the physically and mentally disabled: Click here (scroll down to the section The Disabled)
National Associations
  • Association of the Physically Handicapped in Thailand
    At
    : 73/7-8 Soi 8, Soi Thepprasan, Tivanon Rd, Talaat Kawan, Nonthaburi 11000
    Tel: 02 951 0569
    Fax: 02 580 1098
    Website (in Thai)
  • Disabled People International - Asia Pacific Region
    Aims to improve the integration of disabled people in society and promotes equal opportunities
    At: 29/486 Moo 9, Soi 12, Muangthong Thani, Bangpood, Pakkred, Nonthaburi 11120
    Tel: 02 503 4268-9
    Fax: 02 503 4268-9
    e-mail
    Website
  • Thailand Association of the Blind
    Tel
    : 02 246 3835
    Fax: 02 245 9846
    e-mail
    Website
  • National Association of the Deaf in Thailand
    The association promotes rights for the deaf, better education and integration into the workplace
    At: 144/9 Moo Ban Thitiporn, Pattanakarn 29, Pattanakarn Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250
    Tel: 02 717 1902
    Website
  • Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities in Thailand (CCD)
    Provides care and support to abandoned children with disabilities
    At: 18/1075 Moo 5 Sukhaprachasan 2 Road (Soi Wat Koo), Bangpood, Pakkred, Nonthaburi 11120
    Tel: 02 584 6966
    e-mail
    Website
  • Christian Foundation for the Blind
    Provides services to the visually handicapped and aims to improve their life and their integration with others
    Tel: 04 324 2098
    Website
  • Thai Disabled Development Foundation
    Tel
    : 02 281 9280
  • Bureau of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities
    Tel
    : 02 644 7992
    Website (in Thai)
  • The Family
    Charity with various projects helping disabled children
    Website
  • Special Olympics Thailand
    International sports organisation for adults and children with intellectual disabilities
    Website

Regional Associations

  • Light for the Blind
    Website (in Thai)
  • Association of Persons with Physical Disability International
    Website (in Thai)
  • Foundation for Children with Disabilities (FCD)
    At
    : 546 Lat Phrao 47 Road, Wangthong, Bangkok 10310
    Tel: 02 539 2916 / 02 539 9558
    Fax: 02 539 9706
  • The Sirindhon National Medical Rehabilitation Centre
    Provides inclusive rehabilitation services and assistance for disabled persons
    Website
  • Foundation for the Welfare of the Crippled
    Charity in Nonthaburi helping children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, congenital deformities and similar conditions
    Website
  • Fr. Ray Foundation
    Various projects for disabled, blind, deaf and underprivileged children in Pattaya
    e-mail
    Website
  • Mermaids Dive Centre Pattaya
    Provides scuba diving courses from the International Association For Handicapped Divers
    At
    : 75/124 Moo 12, Jomtien Beach Road Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260
    Tel: 03 823 2219
    e-mail
    Website
Further Information


Any suggestions for extra information that should be on this page?
Just fill in the form to tell us:

(If you want us to reply to you, please include your e-mail address somewhere in the message)

myAngloINFO

· Sign in

· Become a member NOW!


Stay INFOrmed! with our weekly newsletter.

Related Categories
Picture perfect
Grand Palace
Grand Palace
Must do in Bangkok

^ Top of Page ^


Page generated at 02:24; Thursday 24 July, 2008
Copyright © 2000-2008 AngloINFO Limited. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, About, Advertising, Contact.
AngloINFO: Everyday life in Thailand, in English

Find out more about AngloINFO in Thailand...