Thailand has better facilities for travellers with access needs than any Southeast Asian country, other than Singapore. However, high kerbs, uneven and crowded footpaths and nonstop traffic make Thai cities difficult to navigate for those with a vision or mobility impairment. In Bangkok, many streets must be crossed via pedestrian bridges accessed by steep stairways. In any town or city, wheelchair users who are willing to take the risk and have nerves of steel will find it easier to take to the road.
Ramps and other access points for wheelchairs to buildings, pavements and tourist sites are patchy. However, a lack of infrastructure is often made up for by the helpfulness of Thai people. At Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok facilities for disabled travellers are good.
Wheelchairs and electric carts are available, lifts service all levels and accessible toilet facilities are clean and well maintained. The rail link from the airport to the city is well adapted for travellers with access needs, including elevators with Braille buttons and voice announcements, and wheelchair-accessible ticket machines and gates. Buses and boats stop barely long enough even for the fully mobile, and long-distance trains and provincial stations are a bit of a lottery for access.
Every MRT metro station has lifts and wheelchair access. Note that many taxis in Thailand run on natural gas, with the gas tank located in the boot trunk , which limits the space available for a wheelchair or mobility aid. Fully wheelchair-accessible taxis are only available in Bangkok and Hua Hin and have to be booked in advance.
There are none in Chang Mai. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority has a handful of vehicles, mainly for locals; call during office hours for availability, or contact Wheelchair Taxi Thailand www.
