The disabled want a larger say

"We want the next governor to give us the chance to tell him or her about our real needs. We don't want to just play a supporting role as we are doing now," a representative from the Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand said yesterday at the gubernatorial debate.

A member from the Thailand Association of the Blind also complained that it was very difficult to contact the governor and voice their problems.

The debate was held at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.

The groups said former governor Apirak Kosayodhin had initiated several projects to help them, but explained that most were inadequate. For instance, they said, he had provided them with a "footpath for all" on Rajdamri Road last November. But, though this road is convenient for the disabled, not many of them go that route and most other roads in the city still have a lot of obstructions.    

Last February, Apirak had the BMA sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with seven organisations to improve the quality of life of handicapped residents. However, they said, there are no still signs of anything concrete.

Several candidates jumped on the disabled issue and promised to immediately fix things up if they are elected.

 such as Apirak, Kriangsak Charoenwongsak and Prapat Chongsanguan said they would rush to adjust travelling environment for the disabled.

Chuwit Kamolvisit said he would immediately provide parking lots for the disabled.

Dr Kriangsak Charoenwongsak promised to make the surface of footpaths smooth, build slopes, increase the number of toilets in BMA organisations and provide the handicapped with more job opportunities.

Apirak said he would initiate the projects mentioned in the MoUs, such as providing occupational training and easily accessible healthcare services.

However, they all collectively vowed to let the handicapped have a say in projects related to them, though Chuwit went a step further by saying that he would make a disabled person his deputy if he were elected.