Phuket marks international day for the disabled

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) yesterday held an event to mark International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed by the United Nations and countries around the world today, December 3.

“The annual observance of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3 was established by the International Year for Disabled Persons 1981,” said Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Chaiwat Taepee in his opening speech.

“The day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities,” he added.

To mark the occasion at the Phuket Rajabhat University grand hall yesterday, local government officers arranged a variety of activities, including exhibitions to educate people about disabled persons as well as providing assistance in law, careers, education and a mini-job fair.

Also available for disabled persons, their families, friends and visitors were free haircuts, a lucky draw and free food and drink for the entire day.

OrBorJor Vice President Soratham Jinda explained to the press that the OrBorJor last year spent 10 million baht on providing support to disabled people in Phuket.

“Under our ‘Phuket Care’ program, we provide care for disabled persons and patients who have chronic diseases at their homes so they can have a better life, and we educate their families about how to take care of their loved ones correctly,” he said.

“In 2011, we spent more than 10 million baht through the project on providing support for 450 patients in Phuket and providing devices that these patients can use,” he added.

“We believe it is very important to look after these patients and give them opportunities,” Mr Soratham said.

— Chutharat Plerin