Pattaya’s elevator overhaul restores lifeline for the disabled

In front of the Phra Mahatai Centre, known as the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, an elevator once abandoned has been resurrected, poised to redefine accessibility along Sukhumvit Road.

“The elevator’s revival heralds a new era of inclusivity, offering safe passage for those navigating the bustling thoroughfare.”

The repaired elevator serves as more than just a mechanism of mobility, it embodies hope for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and young children, ensuring they can traverse the urban landscape with dignity and ease.

But behind this triumph lies a tale of neglect. Flashy infrastructure projects in Pattaya often fade into disrepair shortly after their grand debut, leaving residents stranded in a maze of broken promises.

Yet, amidst this cycle of negligence, the Redemptorist Centre for Persons with Disabilities emerged as a beacon of advocacy, spearheading the campaign for restoration. Their relentless push caught the attention of Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, who vowed to right the wrongs of the past.

In response to the charity’s outcry, Mayor Poramet mobilised Pattaya City’s Engineering Department to dissect the flaws in the overpass design, unearthing the root causes of the elevator’s demise, reported Pattaya Mail.

“With unwavering dedication, we will fortify our infrastructure, sparing no expense to safeguard against future setbacks.”

In related news, a disabled man selling lottery tickets was spotted tumbling from his wheelchair onto the road due to an uneven surface. The incident, captured on CCTV, sparked outrage on social media. The man was attempting to navigate the bumpy road in an area earmarked for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project, specifically designed to be accessible for disabled people.

In other news, the Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok District 9, Suphanat Minchainan, made recommendations for improving the escalators and lifts at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal.

Suphanat suggested that the deputy minister of transport and executives should listen to service users in terms of the issues that have arisen regarding the station and that they shouldn’t rely on their judgment.