Thai govt to develop a ‘Universal Design Community’ to assist disabled people

BANGKOK, December 6 (TNA) - The Thai government is preparing to develop Ko Kret in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Nonthaburi into a ‘Universal Design Community’ to promote equal access to public services for the handicapped. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said during his weekly television address on Saturday that the government-sponsored project is aimed at reducing social divisiveness and to also enable disadvantaged people to enjoy government services such as mass transit and public restrooms. The Ko Kret model has an objective to support disabled, senior citizens, those with illnesses, war veterans, children and pregnant women in performing thier day-to-day activities safely and independently so they do not pose burdens to the society, said General Prayut. “Ramps will be built to help people on wheelchair travel and access to government services”, he said. The ‘Universal Design Community Model’ at Ko Kret will be carried out with help of local people, several ministries and Pak Kret Municipality, said General Prayut, adding that relevant officials are now conducting a survey in the area. The prime minister also said he has ordered his cabinet ministers to ensure that all government-sponsored services be reachable by all people because these services are their fundamental rights. (TNA)