Topong's Memorial Seminar
18^th September 2007
UNCC Room A, Bangkok, Thailand

Accessible Tourism

By Mr Suporntum Mongkolsawadi

17 years of my work with Topong's Ambition
(1989 - 1999 & 2000 - 2007)

Accessible Tourism Promotion in Pattaya, Key Activity

1992 First Public Awareness Campaign in Pattaya
1993 Public Awareness Campaign through International Sports Competition (Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball and Pattaya Marathon).
1994 Campaign & Lobbying during General Election & any Local Political Movement
1995 "Pattaya safety for Disabled Persons and Ages" First campaign initiated by Pattaya City, a local government
1997 Work with local office of Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT, to seek support from businesses in barrier-free construction
1988 Training of PWD on Promotion of Non-Handicapping Environment
1999 Run Disabilities Simulation for government officers, businesses, architects, academicians and gerneral public
2001 Proposed Promotion of Tourism for PWD and Accessible Tourism to TAT
2002 TAT appointed committee on Promotion of Tourism for PWD
2003 TAT organizes FARM Trips from US to Thailand, including Pattaya
2004 The Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disability, RFPD, managed a training program on "Access Survey & Promotion" in 11 provinces with 1,250 trained
2005 Participated "1st International Accessible Tourism Conference" in Taiwan
2006 Pattaya City renovated and provided "Accessible Pattaya Beach & Access to Swimming Area"
2007 In developing of database on Accessible Tourism (to be posted on www.access2thai.com and some publications)

Learning Experience

Accessible Tourism benefits to all parties and one of a GOOD reasons to promote Barrier-Free Environment
Promotion of Barrier-Free Environment needs Knowledge, Campaign, Follow up, Team & Networking

Topong & Accessible Tourism

Topong & Topong: Role model of Leaders with Disabilities

Accessible Tourism is a Human Right & Economic Issue