Tourism operators in Thailand are calling for the development of a long-term action plan to make the nation extra accessible for elderly and disabled travellers. Jittasak Putjorn, an assistant professor at Silpakorn University researching the development of Thailand as a “Tourism For All” destination, stated that the government and private operators should work together to shut the gap in development and create a more inclusive setting.
Putjorn said…
“If Thailand desires to make tourism an important financial driver and expand its presence on the global stage, we should not depart behind disabled people or seniors.”
According to Putjorn, there is presently no database of home or overseas disabled tourists, however it is believed that 2.1 million disabled people reside in Thailand. He also highlighted that a research confirmed disabled European tourists spent 29,468 baht per journey, indicating that disabled tourists are keen to travel and spend cash.
Despite the importance of accessible infrastructure, multiple factors hinder facility enhancements, including limited authorities budgets, restrictive outsourcing conditions, and insufficient sources for skilled designers.
Furthermore, a central platform connecting patrons and vacationers in accessible tourism is lacking. Putjorn recommends that the tourism minister collaborates with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry to facilitate such connections. Moreover, disabled Lifetime ought to have the prospect to gauge insurance policies before selling them at international commerce events.
Sawang Srisom, co-founder of Transportation For All, expressed his expectations for the government to create higher connectivity between major transport hubs and nearby sights, benefiting each disabled vacationers and native disabled residents..