Ko Kret set as model for universal design

NONTHABURI, 27 May 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has designated Ko Kret, an island in the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi province, as a model community equipped with universal design for the disabled and the elderly.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew chaired the opening of a project entitled “Ko Kret: Model Community for Universal Design”. The project has been implemented since 2014, covering the island of Ko Kret and Pak Kret Municipality of Nonthaburi, aiming to create equal accessibility for all people, including the handicapped and the elderly.

Mr Vichai Bandasak, Mayor of Pak Kret Municipality, said the universal design project has been supported by the Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities with a budget of over 8 million baht. Of the total amount, 3 billion baht was given to Pak Kret Municipality for the renovation of public facilities, such as bus stops, footpaths, parking lots and public toilets.

With the goal of allowing the disabled and the elderly to live as conveniently as normal people do, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is considering expanding the universal design project to other provinces, especially those with major tourist attractions.


-- NNT 2016-05-27

So! Does anyone know if the ferries or speedboats getting to this island have changed to aid people with disabilities so they can go there with ease?

If not, then what's the point of making it a model.

Personally, I have never seen a ferry or speedboat going to any island that has wheelchair accessible or even a bed on the main deck without climbing 2 sets of stairs.

Building a bridge would work!