Footpaths in Thai cities and people with mobility issues, your thoughts please

[bbbbooboo]

Maybe it would be more sensible to visit countries with better footpaths?

[Ulic]

Most of the roads don't have sidewalks and the ones that do are full of stores and stalls selling stuff/junk.

Not pedestrian friendly and certainly not wheelchair friendly. You are constantly stepping out on the street

to make progress in the direction you want to go and the curbs are substantial.

[thaibeachlovers]

I was only speaking to my wife about the footpaths mostly everywhere you go in Thailand. I said it would be a sight impaired persons nightmare. Even in Hua Hin where I went for a holiday there were large iron types of grates over some of the holes in the footpaths. In other cities the pavements are not level and venders carts block the footpaths. There are trees growing in the niddle of the walkways and some times a pedestrian road bridge starts in the middle of the footpath too.

I have a photo of a pavement with the raised pavers supposedly for the blind. The path they have to take leads them into hazards at head level and in one case directly into a power pole .

I also saw a bicycle lane painted on the Sukhumvit pavement opposite Soi 4 .

[intel4004]

Maybe it would be more sensible to visit countries with better footpaths?

I hope that was a poor attempt at trolling, otherwise you might want to confine yourself to less demanding issues.

[intel4004]

I was only speaking to my wife about the footpaths mostly everywhere you go in Thailand. I said it would be a sight impaired persons nightmare. Even in Hua Hin where I went for a holiday there were large iron types of grates over some of the holes in the footpaths. In other cities the pavements are not level and venders carts block the footpaths. There are trees growing in the niddle of the walkways and some times a pedestrian road bridge starts in the middle of the footpath too.

I have a photo of a pavement with the raised pavers supposedly for the blind. The path they have to take leads them into hazards at head level and in one case directly into a power pole .

I also saw a bicycle lane painted on the Sukhumvit pavement opposite Soi 4 .

Not seeing any photos? Am using a tablet to view

[intel4004]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thailand in General is not Wheelchair friendly, just going about your daily routine here, is an effort, and trying to cross the road, they nearly kill you ?? It's like they try and drive faster and aim for you, I can't get my head around it...

I once stopped at a Zebra crossing and a car nearly drove into the back of me, and then a Scooter, overtook me and nearly knocked the old lady down .... Bad mannered or what....

But that's how,it is... Unfortunately.....

Very same thing happened to me last night. I was going around the moat on my scooter and up ahead was a pedestrian crossing (nobody crossing) with traffic lights which were red. I stopped and behind me a songthaew driver who had more time than me to stop swerved narrowly avoided me shouting abuse as he went past going through the red light!

So I take it the songthaew drivers don't have to obey red lights at pedestrian crossings.

They just finished constructing a 4 lane dual carriageway along Srinakarin road complete with pedestrian/wheelchair friendly walkway with ramps. There is a separate coloured cycleway designated for cycles.

They then came along and planted trees along the cycleway so that the motorcycle taxis use the on and off ramps for the disabled to access the footpath. The concrete flagstones are already breaking up due to inferior quality. It never fails to amaze me how they can build second hand quality roads.

I always remember previous Bangkok Governor, Pichit Ratakhun falling down a drain whilst on an inspection of the pavements, caught on camera by his accompanying TV crew. Neverthless no improvements were made despite him pushing for clear pavements with accomodation for the disabled.

You almost feel like throwing your hands up in the air and giving up with the Thai people. I think a lot of expats just accept and move on which of course means there is no movement or progress. With the Thais the potential is there but they just seem destined to f@@k it up one way or another!!

I disagree with these posts. I am 83 and can barely walk with a stick. I cant climb steps alone or open doors, All the shopping centers have toilets for disabled. There are disabled parking lots and excellant wheelchair facilities at airports. But on the whole not many other facilities for us. However the Thais seem to be exceptionally very helpful and friendly to me where ever I go. People help me across the street, open doors help me up steps. Far more friendly than most countries and on a hoilday to Chiangmai I very impressed by the Thais therre. The worst was Pattaya I fell down the steps of a big shopping center with lots of "farangs" sitting on the steps. Not one offered to help me get up but two Thais did. But it did not surprise me

I'm not having a go at the general public you meet on the street, I'm having a go at the lack of actual facilities for the less mobile when it comes to planning in general. And I'm talking about segregating pedestrians and traffic and keeping the pathways clear.

[intel4004]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

All you need is a turret to blast scooters and vendors out of the way?

I would like to see footpaths used as footpaths and not for shopkeepers to put an an extra table there and sell goods. The local council should clamp down on such practices and fine the perpetrators. It is unsafe and nobody should be forced onto a busy roadway just because some shopkeeper thinks it is their property. Unfortunately I don't think this will change anytime soon.

Thailand doesn't go anywhere near acceptable when people with mobility issues want to get around with ease. Did you see the video of the Thai guy in a wheelchair ask a security officer why all the disabled spots were taken in Central Festival Pattaya? The guard said, they were for VIP's (rich people with expensive cars) very appaling and he was asked to occupy another spot much further away.

<The local council should clamp down on such practices and fine the perpetrators. It is unsafe and nobody should be forced onto a busy roadway just because some shopkeeper thinks it is their property. >

The day that happens it won't be the Thailand most of us love.

<Unfortunately I don't think this will change anytime soon.>

You've got it there.

Unfortunately, those of us in such situations have to live in the real world, and in the real world, Thailand is NOT disabled friendly. Where I live there aren't any pavements at all, and unless they knock down the street front properties never will be. Try driving through Mae Rim when the schools get out alt=w00t.gif> .

I'm completely baffled why you think one of the reasons we love Thailand is because we are forced to use the road to walk whilst dodging scooters and cars, because that's what I have to do when I go walking.

Do you think the nature of this place will be radically changed because some thought is given to pedestrianisation?

Whether you like it or not Thailand is changing as is everywhere. Better this change be channelled in a positive direction whenever possible is what I think as there's enough stupidity out there already.

[jacky54]

The only time I saw a wheelchair user, ( on his own ) getting about he was not on the road. He had gotten onto the klong boat on san seab. He got off on one side with the help of other people and Thais carried him across the other side over a bridge. It was a lightweight chair but I did admire his determination and the people who helped him.

[benalibina]

Try pushing a stroller down Sukumvit from Asoke to Nana! Darn near impossible!

It is a small sacrifice .....before entering heaven on earth !

[thaibeachlovers]

I was only speaking to my wife about the footpaths mostly everywhere you go in Thailand. I said it would be a sight impaired persons nightmare. Even in Hua Hin where I went for a holiday there were large iron types of grates over some of the holes in the footpaths. In other cities the pavements are not level and venders carts block the footpaths. There are trees growing in the niddle of the walkways and some times a pedestrian road bridge starts in the middle of the footpath too.

I have a photo of a pavement with the raised pavers supposedly for the blind. The path they have to take leads them into hazards at head level and in one case directly into a power pole .

I also saw a bicycle lane painted on the Sukhumvit pavement opposite Soi 4 .

Not seeing any photos? Am using a tablet to view

I said I have a photo, not that I'd put it on here. It's just one of thousands that I have of Thailand, so I'd have a tough job finding it anyway. Sorry if you were misled into thinking I'd posted it.

[thaibeachlovers]

Try pushing a stroller down Sukumvit from Asoke to Nana! Darn near impossible!

Yet I saw an Arab trying to push a side by side stroller through the stalls opposite Soi 4 .

[thaibeachlovers]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

All you need is a turret to blast scooters and vendors out of the way?

I would like to see footpaths used as footpaths and not for shopkeepers to put an an extra table there and sell goods. The local council should clamp down on such practices and fine the perpetrators. It is unsafe and nobody should be forced onto a busy roadway just because some shopkeeper thinks it is their property. Unfortunately I don't think this will change anytime soon.

Thailand doesn't go anywhere near acceptable when people with mobility issues want to get around with ease. Did you see the video of the Thai guy in a wheelchair ask a security officer why all the disabled spots were taken in Central Festival Pattaya? The guard said, they were for VIP's (rich people with expensive cars) very appaling and he was asked to occupy another spot much further away.

<The local council should clamp down on such practices and fine the perpetrators. It is unsafe and nobody should be forced onto a busy roadway just because some shopkeeper thinks it is their property. >

The day that happens it won't be the Thailand most of us love.

<Unfortunately I don't think this will change anytime soon.>

You've got it there.

Unfortunately, those of us in such situations have to live in the real world, and in the real world, Thailand is NOT disabled friendly. Where I live there aren't any pavements at all, and unless they knock down the street front properties never will be. Try driving through Mae Rim when the schools get out alt=w00t.gif> .

I'm completely baffled why you think one of the reasons we love Thailand is because we are forced to use the road to walk whilst dodging scooters and cars, because that's what I have to do when I go walking.

Do you think the nature of this place will be radically changed because some thought is given to pedestrianisation?

Whether you like it or not Thailand is changing as is everywhere. Better this change be channelled in a positive direction whenever possible is what I think as there's enough stupidity out there already.

I don't love Thailand because I have to walk in the street, but if the mindset changed sufficiently to recognise that footpaths were essential, it wouldn't be long before the place was just as PC and over regulated as any western country. Then, what would be the point of living here?

[draftvader]

Try pushing a stroller down Sukumvit from Asoke to Nana! Darn near impossible!

It is a small sacrifice .....before entering heaven on earth !

with a toddler?

[draftvader]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

[thaibeachlovers]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

I have seen a few wheelchair users in Pattaya, so it is possible.

[giddyup]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

I have seen a few wheelchair users in Pattaya, so it is possible.

Possible if you are prepared to risk life and limb by using the roads instead of the footpath.

[draftvader]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

I have seen a few wheelchair users in Pattaya, so it is possible.

Being that I live in Bangkok and he would want to visit me and my family I guess that isn't an option. Glad to hear there's something but I fully expect it is extraordinarily limited compared to many other civilised locations in the world.

[giddyup]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

I have seen a few wheelchair users in Pattaya, so it is possible.

Being that I live in Bangkok and he would want to visit me and my family I guess that isn't an option. Glad to hear there's something but I fully expect it is extraordinarily limited compared to many other civilised locations in the world.

Believe me, it's not possible without risking death. There's no way a wheelchair can navigate footpaths in Pattaya.

[harrry]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

As a wheelchair (electric) user it is quite possible to visit thailand with a bit of planning True public transport is not great but there is a company which can provide a wheelchair accessible van and driver for under 3000baht a day in Bangkok. For a few hundred more they can get someone to help push your wwheelchair when you visit the sites.

Some transport is useable by wheelchair users but it would be too hard for wheelchair users to find this on their own.

Still as a holiday building in a few days of van use for the special days would generally not be that painful especially when compared to the cost of coming here.

[draftvader]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

As a wheelchair (electric) user it is quite possible to visit thailand with a bit of planning True public transport is not great but there is a company which can provide a wheelchair accessible van and driver for under 3000baht a day in Bangkok. For a few hundred more they can get someone to help push your wwheelchair when you visit the sites.

Some transport is useable by wheelchair users but it would be too hard for wheelchair users to find this on their own.

Still as a holiday building in a few days of van use for the special days would generally not be that painful especially when compared to the cost of coming here.

Not exactly much freedom. You can understand why he would visit one of the hundreds of countries he could visit & experience decent levels of respect and choice.

[noahvail]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

As a wheelchair (electric) user it is quite possible to visit thailand with a bit of planning True public transport is not great but there is a company which can provide a wheelchair accessible van and driver for under 3000baht a day in Bangkok. For a few hundred more they can get someone to help push your wwheelchair when you visit the sites.

Some transport is useable by wheelchair users but it would be too hard for wheelchair users to find this on their own.

Still as a holiday building in a few days of van use for the special days would generally not be that painful especially when compared to the cost of coming here.

Not exactly much freedom. You can understand why he would visit one of the hundreds of countries he could visit & experience decent levels of respect and choice.

Well, this little number would have no problems clearing the footpaths, going up stairs, fitting through doors, and getting into elevators. It is, in fact, the width of a standard wheelchair. Don't know the price though...

[harrry]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

As a wheelchair (electric) user it is quite possible to visit thailand with a bit of planning True public transport is not great but there is a company which can provide a wheelchair accessible van and driver for under 3000baht a day in Bangkok. For a few hundred more they can get someone to help push your wwheelchair when you visit the sites.

Some transport is useable by wheelchair users but it would be too hard for wheelchair users to find this on their own.

Still as a holiday building in a few days of van use for the special days would generally not be that painful especially when compared to the cost of coming here.

Not exactly much freedom. You can understand why he would visit one of the hundreds of countries he could visit & experience decent levels of respect and choice.

Choice posibly but I think there are many countries where he would not get the respect he does here. I am a wheelchair user and I can assure you I am treated better here than in many "advanced" countries.

This does not mean I do think the physical environment needs improvement, it does as the physical environment in Australia needed change 10 years ago and still does. I worked hard in Australia to improve things for other people with disabilities with some success, I would here but I think it is better done by those who live here and there are changes occuring though not as fast as we may like.

[draftvader]

With my arthritis getting worse quickly, I've been giving thoughts to modes of transportation. I live in a little village in Isaan, about in the middle of a triangle formed bumUdon Thani, Loei, and Khon Kaen. It ain't the end of the world, but at times you can sure see it from here. Pavements? Oh, no, wouldn't those be nice. Ramps? Well yes actually, some people have ramps for their scooters, not very wide, though. Steps? Most definitely? Crumbled road surfaces? In spades.

So here's the best of what I've found online so far. Not perfect, but small enough to get around the aisles in the stores. Easy enough to build an electric-powered winched ramp to the back of a pickup, or get a small trailer. The problem with a trailer is parking in the relatively small blue space.

Would it be worth 10 grand US? http://www.gizmag.com/unimo-continuous-track-electric-wheelchair/29748/

This is cool. I would want the Adventure model. I would then mount fake guns on it and wear a Robocop outfit. Would certainly make sure people noticed me.

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

As a wheelchair (electric) user it is quite possible to visit thailand with a bit of planning True public transport is not great but there is a company which can provide a wheelchair accessible van and driver for under 3000baht a day in Bangkok. For a few hundred more they can get someone to help push your wwheelchair when you visit the sites.

Some transport is useable by wheelchair users but it would be too hard for wheelchair users to find this on their own.

Still as a holiday building in a few days of van use for the special days would generally not be that painful especially when compared to the cost of coming here.

Not exactly much freedom. You can understand why he would visit one of the hundreds of countries he could visit & experience decent levels of respect and choice.

Choice posibly but I think there are many countries where he would not get the respect he does here. I am a wheelchair user and I can assure you I am treated better here than in many "advanced" countries.

This does not mean I do think the physical environment needs improvement, it does as the physical environment in Australia needed change 10 years ago and still does. I worked hard in Australia to improve things for other people with disabilities with some success, I would here but I think it is better done by those who live here and there are changes occuring though not as fast as we may like.

My friend had used his moderate profile to push change in the UK. He would just find it tedious here.

[harrry]

I have a friend in the UK who is paralysed from the waist down. I have told him that if he was to visit Thailand he would be restricted to the larger shopping centres and the skywalk above Sukhumvit. Even then there are fairly few disabled toilets available. Funnily enough he won't be visiting.

As a wheelchair (electric) user it is quite possible to visit thailand with a bit of planning True public transport is not great but there is a company which can provide a wheelchair accessible van and driver for under 3000baht a day in Bangkok. For a few hundred more they can get someone to help push your wwheelchair when you visit the sites.

Some transport is useable by wheelchair users but it would be too hard for wheelchair users to find this on their own.

Still as a holiday building in a few days of van use for the special days would generally not be that painful especially when compared to the cost of coming here.

Not exactly much freedom. You can understand why he would visit one of the hundreds of countries he could visit & experience decent levels of respect and choice.

Well, this little number would have no problems clearing the footpaths, going up stairs, fitting through doors, and getting into elevators. It is, in fact, the width of a standard wheelchair. Don't know the price though...

Not sure of the lateral stability of that one, And I would like to see it try to turn and let its user wash his hands in most bathrooms Be fun in peak hour on the BTS though.

[khunjamesjohnson]

I know a guy on wheels that is a regular visitor to Thailand. Goes all over the place. I admit he is positive, strong willed and athletic.

When you look around you think it would be too challenging but he has a good time.

[draftvader]

Interesting that we have been having this debate and this morning I wake up to this, rather blurry, article.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756211-universal-design-concept-would-help-access-for-disabled-seminar-told/

[mikecwm]

Footpath here in Thailand are for body able people only, no such consideration for the disabled what

so ever, that's how it was and that how it will be, as long as every man to him self here and the footpath

become a commercially viable space which tainted money can generated of, the disabled will remain

disadvantageous here...

It's not just Thailand!

[harrry]

Footpath here in Thailand are for body able people only, no such consideration for the disabled what

so ever, that's how it was and that how it will be, as long as every man to him self here and the footpath

become a commercially viable space which tainted money can generated of, the disabled will remain

disadvantageous here...

It's not just Thailand!

cop cars.png

Foot paths only became a selling space for vendors in the last 30 years Prior to that there were small markets selling produce and all the needs of life scattered everywhere within about 100 metres of any point. People moved to the streets when these were closed down as space was wortht money. I guess 7/11s did not help.