Prayut urges Thais to support and be inspired by disabled people

[rooster59]

Prayut urges Thais to support and be inspired by disabled people

By The Sunday Nation

 

BANGKOK:-- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called on Thais to provide opportunities to people with disabilities and treat them with respect.

 

He said that such support would encourage the disabled to live their lives in a positive way, as they could take part in various activities such as singing and sports competitions.

This, in turn, would inspire disabled and able-bodied people to live with purpose and collectively serve as an important force in developing the country, the prime minister said.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30301387

 

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-12-04

[Thaiwrath]

This is a good idea, because in my time here I have seen many Thais mock the afflicted.

Probably no malice intended, as they follow what their elders have done for years, and therefore don't see any harm in it.

The only real help and assistance for the unfortunate disabled appears to be immediate family.

If that was not readily available, it would make a difficult life even more unbearable.

[chainarong]

This is a worldwide problem , and it is good of General Prayut to at least note the problems even if it is lip service , by next week he will have forgotten about the disabled , the positive would be to give them special status , discounts , priority parking ( that would be a Laugh ) and a proper pension and health benefits and to make all buildings user friendly and special taxis vans , NO,  to hard thought so................................................... 

[PatOngo]

Here's a thought.........government welfare for the disabled!

[jerojero]

How about fixing sidewalks and streets so those wheelchair-bound can actually go outside! Must be horrific for disabled to get around, especially Bangkok.

[rkidlad]

Could also inform people that there is no 'next life'. You get one and some people are dealt better hands purely by chance. 

 

Once we understand this, we can become more human and empathetic. 

[Wilsonandson]

A gang of Thai youths wielding swords slashed and killed a handicapped man in a Bangkok street back in May this year.

 

Four of six suspects, who are aged 18-22, are reported to be the sons of police officers attached to Metropolitan Police Division 4, which oversees Chokchai police, Lat Prao.

 

Where was the respect here?

[Brer Fox]

If the PM has so much concern for the disabled he might like to ensure that justice is carried out in the case of a gang of thugs murdering a disabled man. That might set an example to others who might contemplate doing the same.

 

[Lingba]

2 minutes ago, Wilsonandson said:

Four of six suspects, who are aged 18-22, are reported to be the sons of police officers attached to Metropolitan Police Division 4, which oversees Chokchai police, Lat Prao.

 

Where was the respect here?

 

Yes...so to back up his words the PM should see to it that these low lifes serve substantial time for their crime

[ezzra]

 

Strangely enough, somehow, you don't see many disabled people walking around and even less

people in wheelchairs or similar aids for the disabled, could it be that being disabled

in Thai society is something to be ashamed of?

What is for sure, public transportations and access to other everyday facilities

around BKK is almost non existed, an I applaud the PM on this imitative.... 

[fruitman]

43 minutes ago, jerojero said:

How about fixing sidewalks and streets so those wheelchair-bound can actually go outside! Must be horrific for disabled to get around, especially Bangkok.

 

Well not only for the disabled, there are many sidewalks without any streetvendors who are absolutely not suited for pedestrians...even sidewalks which lead to the BTS.

[tompelli]

Great! So between the armed forces & government, how many disabled people are employed?

[digibum]

2 hours ago, PatOngo said:

Here's a thought.........government welfare for the disabled!

 

Whoa, whoa, whoa, there buddy.  He told the people to support the disabled.  Not the government.  You can't expect the government to go around helping people.  

 

What next?  Quality education?  Decent wages?  An actual democratic government?  

 

That's just a recipe for anarchy.  

[elgordo38]

3 hours ago, Thaiwrath said:

This is a good idea, because in my time here I have seen many Thais mock the afflicted.

Probably no malice intended, as they follow what their elders have done for years, and therefore don't see any harm in it.

The only real help and assistance for the unfortunate disabled appears to be immediate family.

If that was not readily available, it would make a difficult life even more unbearable.

Yes words are free help requires funding and we all know where that leads. 

[Graemej100]

3 hours ago, jerojero said:

How about fixing sidewalks and streets so those wheelchair-bound can actually go outside! Must be horrific for disabled to get around, especially Bangkok.

 

You are so correct. I'd love to challenge the PM to sit in a wheel chair  in almost any street in Pattaya or Jomtien, or Chiang Mai or Bangkok and traverse 10 blocks. I think if he experienced that there would be a massive amount of monies ordered into repairing footpaths in Thailand and to, maybe, setting standards for wheelchair access, not just to footpaths, but also buildings. 

[Grubster]

3 hours ago, jerojero said:

How about fixing sidewalks and streets so those wheelchair-bound can actually go outside! Must be horrific for disabled to get around, especially Bangkok.

It was a hard fought battle against conservatives in the USA to get those amenities, I am proud of my country for doing it. The best part of doing all these improvements is that it creates a lot of good jobs. Win, Win situation.  And many handicaps can join the work force and do. I really feel bad when I see the guy/gal with no legs sitting on the walk where their family leaves them all day while they work. What to they do when they need a toilet?

[Grubster]

3 hours ago, Brer Fox said:

If the PM has so much concern for the disabled he might like to ensure that justice is carried out in the case of a gang of thugs murdering a disabled man. That might set an example to others who might contemplate doing the same.

 

I can't see how they could possibly get less than twenty years in the pen for that. What did they get or don't you know yet?

[Toknarok]

       As a disabled person who relies on a wheelchair and a mobility scooter I welcome the General's words - but - that is all they are words and without actions to accompany them they are meaningless.  Hardly any consideration is given to the disabled when constructing things for public use, the odd petrol station with a disabled toilet if you're lucky.

      Travelling in a wheelchair in any city is virtually impossible. Of the dozen or so ATM machines in my local town only one I can use and if it's out of order or money I have to rely on someone else to withdraw cash. So much for being independent. ATM's don't have to be 'up the steps'.

      Last year the local branch of the Agriculture Bank closed for a few months in order to carry out renovations. They completely revamped the front putting in new ATM's. Yes you've guessed it - bank and machines accessible by BLOODY STEPS. Wheelchairs can't climb stairs. When I complained all I got was a smile, sorry and a shrug.

     The renovations probably cost hundreds of thousands of baht, the cost of a simple ramp would merely cost a few hundred.

[harrry]

Interesting to consider that some of the first rules regarding disabled people were the Royal Decrees in 1942:

 

12, On protecting children, the elderly and the handicapped, issued 28 January 1942, consisted of two items:

1. "In public places or roads, people should assist and protect children, the elderly, or the handicapped."
2. "Whoever follows item 1 is considered a cultured person deserving of the respect of the Thai people."^[13]

http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2485/A/008/331.PDF

[Eric Loh]

For a start, Prayut should toughen the laws against able person parking in disable parking lots. Heavier fines and stronger enforcement. Action not just lip service.

[drgoon]

5 hours ago, jerojero said:

How about fixing sidewalks and streets so those wheelchair-bound can actually go outside! Must be horrific for disabled to get around, especially Bangkok.

I was up in Khon Kaen this week.  I saw 50yrs of sidewalk modified for wheelchairs.

[Thaidream]

The time has come to codify under Thai law that all locales must provide access to the disabled. I am glad he spoke out but action is needed.  The disabled want to be independent but putting ATMS up steps with no ramps is bad planning .  Yes, it will cost some money to do the modifications but all citizens; residents and visitors should have equal access.

[Thaiwrath]

1 hour ago, drgoon said:

I was up in Khon Kaen this week.  I saw 50yrs of sidewalk modified for wheelchairs.

 

Only mainly in the 'Tourist area', the rest of the city is worse than the Krypton Factor assault course.

[phantomfiddler]

What,s the latest on the disgusting group who mocked then murdered the disabled bread delivery man ? If there is any serious aim or attempt to help the disabled this case must be dealt with to the satisfaction of the normal decent person !

[jaltsc]

“He said that such support would encourage the disabled to live their lives in a positive way…”

 

 

Just look how support and encouragement have made many socially disabled individuals become successful. 

[sharecropper]

He's not exactly setting the bar high, is he?

 

He said that such support would encourage the disabled to live their lives in a positive way, as they could take part in various activities such as singing and sports competitions.

 

 

[drgoon]

9 hours ago, Thaiwrath said:

 

Only mainly in the 'Tourist area', the rest of the city is worse than the Krypton Factor assault course.

 

 

With so many disabled people in Thailand it is about time the Government started to look after them.

 

I hope this doesn't fall over and become another pipe dream.

[colinneil]

22 hours ago, jerojero said:

How about fixing sidewalks and streets so those wheelchair-bound can actually go outside! Must be horrific for disabled to get around, especially Bangkok.

 

A very good point, fixing sidewalks would be a major boost for people like myself (wheelchair bound).

Also educating people that disabled people are human beings also, and should be treated with the same respect as able bodied people.

Most people here have no respect for the disabled.

Going along in a wheelchair and being blocked, people refusing to move to allow you to pass.

[notmyself]

19 hours ago, harrry said:

Interesting to consider that some of the first rules regarding disabled people were the Royal Decrees in 1942:

 

12, On protecting children, the elderly and the handicapped, issued 28 January 1942, consisted of two items:

1. "In public places or roads, people should assist and protect children, the elderly, or the handicapped."
2. "Whoever follows item 1 is considered a cultured person deserving of the respect of the Thai people."^[13]

http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2485/A/008/331.PDF

 

I'm a T12 paraplegic and can say that the amount of assistance (without request) that I am offered on an almost daily basis is enough to bring me to tears.

[colinneil]

On 12/4/2016 at 10:04 AM, ezzra said:

 

Strangely enough, somehow, you don't see many disabled people walking around and even less

people in wheelchairs or similar aids for the disabled, could it be that being disabled

in Thai society is something to be ashamed of?

What is for sure, public transportations and access to other everyday facilities

around BKK is almost non existed, an I applaud the PM on this imitative.... 

 

You are spot on with your comments.

I am paraplegic and many times i go around outside in my wheelchair, or on my mobility scooter.

People are always telling my wife you should keep him at home, do not allow him outside.

The Thai attitude to disabled people is you should hide away at home and just wait to die.

 

My mobility scooter has a problem which i cannot fix myself.

4 weeks ago my wife took it on the pickup to get repaired.

She has been back 3 times now and it has not been touched.

When she asked the boss why have you not fixed it, she was told these things are only for old/ disabled people, so what is the rush to fix it.