The Cabinet on 6 August 2024 approved a draft regulation of the Ministry of Transport for better arrangements of facilities, equipment, and services accessible to persons with disabilities in buildings, vehicles, and transport services.

The new regulation will replace the existing one, which stipulates that all public facilities, including buildings, transportation, and other services must be made accessible for people with disabilities. It is intended to be in line with the changing situation and make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel. 

For instance, toilets and bedrooms must be provided in trains for people with disabilities. Sound and light signals must be installed and announcements on next stations must be made. Seats for persons with disabilities and parking space for wheelchairs are required at transport, railway, and electric train stations.

Thailand attaches importance to making travel easier and more convenient not only for people with disabilities but also for older persons. Without public facilities suitable for them, they will face difficulties when traveling to various places for learning, working, or social activities.

Facilities have been built at various places to make travel easier for people with disabilities, as well as older persons. These facilities and services will also be accessible to all users. They include ramps and public toilets for people who travel on wheelchairs and those who require supporting equipment.

Statistics on the situation of persons with disabilities in Thailand, compiled by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, show that there are currently about 2.2 million disabled persons in the country, accounting for 3.33 percent of the Thai population. Most of them (57.7 percent) are 60 years old and over.