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Thailand opens first walkway for disabled

Three Thai government agencies Sunday officially opened Thailand's first footpath for people with disabilities and the aged, aimed at celebrating the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King on December 5.

The footpath was developed by improving the surface of a 1.6-kilometre long section of Rajadamri Road in Bangkok's central business district and is suitable for crippled and aged people, according to Dr. Poldej Pinpratheep, deputy minister of Social Development and Human Security.

Dr. Poldej said there were about registered 1.9 million physically handicapped persons, or 2.9 per cent of Thailand's total population, and more than one million unregistered persons with physical disabilities who are entitled to equal rights from society.

Besides that the number of people aged over 80 who need the same facilities as persons with disabilities is also rising, he said.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said it planned to expand such services to five other nearby roads next year. (TNA)

Bangkok Post