Thailand in a wheelchair?

Question

I would like to take my friend for an inexpensive trip to Thailand but he is in a wheelchair. Any suggestions of places and how accessable things are.

Answer 1

Thailand has improved a lot over the past 10 years to make things more accessible for wheelchairs but they have a long way to go!

I have seen lots of travelers in wheel chairs, especially in the Pattaya area where I think it is easier to get around. But your friend will have to end up in the street to make it down the road or he will be going down a side walk (if there is no huge crack s******g him up) he will encounter a telephone booth or telephone pole in the middle of the sidewalk blocking him!  Moving wheeled vehicles off the sidewalk to the streets is normal, that is how many of the street vendor's pushcarts get down the road.

You can do it but you and the person in the wheelchair will have to do a little more work than back at home.   I would give it a try anyway!  The airlines try to accommodate you by letting you on the plane first.  You do have to plan a little more for hotels - but even without any ramps I have watched the hotel staff physically lift wheelchair and tourist into the hotel lobby.

A lot depends on how mobile your friend is and if he needs any other personal help.  Be adventurous and try it.  I see some of the same people with wheelchairs return to Pattaya year after year.

Ask the same question in the TripAdvisor Forum, Thai Visa Forum and the VirtualTourist Forums for some specific details.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-T...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g29...

http://forum.virtualtourist.com/forum-19...

Good luck.

Answer 2

Bangkok is an old city and it rains there quite a lot so the curbs tend to really high out of necessity.  I give you some information about Bangkok but would also suggest a place like Hua Hin which is flat and wide and has some very nice beaches and since there are less people it would probably be easier to get around.

Try

http://www.wheelchairtours.com/aboutus.h...

These places are definitely wheelchair accessible:

http://www.bangkok.com/kids-animal-parks...

I would consider staying at one of the newer hotels as they are more likely to be wheelchair accessible.  These are listed as wheelchair accessible. I have seen good comment here on the Swiss Park which isn't new but says its ok for wheelchairs and is close to Sukhumvit and Nana entertainment complex.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-19150166...

http://www.wheelchairtours.com/hotels.ht...

I would think the temples because of there age would pose some problems. You  can definitely get into Wat PO but entering the building will be another story.

Answer 3

You can but it will be very difficult to get around.  Thailand is not a friendly place for the handicap like in the west.  Even those places you have ramps have them a such a high angle that it would be hard to push a large person up a ramp.

Answer 4

It will be a challenge, but it can be done - - be prepared to take taxis, which are still reasonable - - but it is difficult to answer not knowing how disabled or immobile he is?? - If he cannot do things like use guide rails to board a bus and proceed down the aisles on his own, it might be quite a challenge to do this on the cheap - -  

Answer 5

Thailand is a great country with friendly helpful people. But with regard to handicapped persons it can be h**l on earth. I know, I'm walking with a cane currently (accident). Sidewalks are high: 20 cm is normal.  Half a meter is not uncommon. Lots and lots of potholes in the sidewalk.

Besides: a sidewalk is a place that's great to sell your goods, park your car, drive your motorcycle - if those pesky pedestrians weren't bothering you all the time!

It's getting better, but there is a L O N G way to go as yet.

Suggestion:

Pending the handicapped's condition: you might rent a van for the duration of your holiday, with an extra attendant. the driver and the attendant can lift the wheelchair over obstacles.

It won't be cheap, for sure. But it will be affordable - and that is something you can completely forget about in the West.

Answer 6

Is this wheelchair 4 wheel drive??