The Roles of Organizations of Disabled People and Government Agencies on the Disability Right of Access to Public Transportation: A Case Study on the Right of Access to Low-Floor Bus

Abstract

This research has three objectives including, firstly, to study the role of organizations of disabled people on their right to access low-floor buses, secondly, to study the role of government agencies in the provision of low-floor buses, and lastly, to suggest guidelines for improving the role of government agencies on the issue of access to the rights of the disabled to use services of government agencies. This research uses qualitative research methods. It includes in-depth interviews with the 6 key informants including Mr. Suporntum Mongkolsawadi, Mr. Udomchok Churat, Mr. Theerayut Sukhonthawit, Mr. Vorayut Kitkool, Mr. Vansao Chaiyakul, and Mrs.Apanee Mitthong, analysis of relevant documents, and searching relevant information from the internet. The results of the research show that the organizations of disabled people were trying to support the government to provide low-floor buses through various movements. While the government agencies, especially the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), had ignored the needs of people with disabilities and trying to support the high-floor buses, which were the traditional buses. These things have occurred especially in the period of the Yingluck Shinawatra government. However, after the coup in 2014, General Prayut Chan-ocha demonstrated attention to the needs of people with disabilities by supporting low-floor buses. That was the reason to have many low-floor buses in Bangkok nowadays. As for the suggestions for government agencies, it is necessary to understand people with disabilities and their rights in the dimension of being part of citizenship. They should not create distinction, differentiation or reinforce public policy discrimination against people with disabilities.