Public Health Minister Vows To Provide Facilities For Disabled

[Jai Dee]

Public Health Minister vows to provide facilities for disabled

On the occasion of the United Nations (UN) International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3rd, Public Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla has declared that all hospitals across Thailand must have restrooms and ramps for disabled people.

Md. Mongkol said the Ministry of Public Health together with the National Health Security Office, the Office of Thai Health, oil traders, and shopping malls signed an agreement to provide standard facilities for disabled persons. The agreement is under the theme ‘New Society with No Obstacles’.

Md. Mongkol vowed by the next 10 months, the government will enable all hospitals throughout the nation to have ramps and restrooms for disabled, and in besides, people can inform the government if certain hospitals are not equipped with those facilities.

There are approximately 160 million disabled people around the world, while Thailand has 1.1 million disabled people.

Only 120 out of 697 gas stations and 28 out of 99 shopping malls in the country have standard facilities for the disabled.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

Govt. to provide social welfare for the disabled

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont presided over the opening ceremony of the International Disabled Day of the year 2007 held at the Princess Palace Hotel in Bo Bae (โบ๊เบ๊) Market and presented trophies to individuals, organizations, and businesses for their outstanding performances.

In a part of his speech, the premier said the government will help the disabled realize their potentials and give them rights and opportunities as much as possible. He wanted Thai people to be generous and have positive attitudes toward the disabled. Everyone should take part in constructing facilities and adjusting environment suitable for the disabled. The government will also provide social welfare for them and make sure that they are able to access useful information.

While PM was leaving the hotel, about 20 Bo Bae dealers who have been in conflict with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) over the zoning of street vendors were trying to approach the premier to submit a letter to him. A representative of PM received the letter for him. Police officers were dispatched from a nearby police station to monitor the situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 December 2006

[chownah]

There are only 697 gas stations in Thailand?

[Old Man River]

There are only 697 gas stations in Thailand?

Yes and all near my house as well. It is a mistake. The number is much higher.

[Scott]

Of course the gov't isn't going to make the sidewalks handicapped accessible!

[mouse]

Of course the gov't isn't going to make the sidewalks handicapped accessible!

What sidewalks ???

Edited December 1, 2006 by mouse

[jbsears]

Its amazing how many places in Bangkok are not wheelchair accessible. There are only a few BTS stations that are wheelchair accessible. And it is only around 5 years old. This just shows the contempt this country has for the handicapped.