Accessibility Concerns Mount Ahead of Thailand’s February 8 Election
Thailand’s upcoming general election, scheduled for , is facing scrutiny over accessibility for voters with disabilities. Disability organizations are raising alarms about potential barriers to equal participation, ranging from inadequate access to information to insufficient support at polling stations.
The concerns are particularly acute given that the election coincides with a referendum on constitutional amendments, potentially creating confusion for voters, especially those with disabilities. Representatives warn this overlap could compromise the privacy and independence of disabled voters, according to Thai PBS online.
Sunthorn Sucha, a board member of the Thailand Association of the Blind, highlighted significant flaws in the Election Commission’s Smart Vote app. He stated the app lacks compatibility with screen-reading software, effectively excluding blind voters from utilizing this resource. “These problems make people with disabilities feel excluded from the democratic process,” Sucha commented.
Beyond the digital realm, physical accessibility remains a major hurdle. Supawat Samerpark, a board member of the Thailand Council for Independent Living, pointed out that many polling stations are inaccessible to voters with mobility impairments. He cited issues such as staircases blocking entrances, inadequate ramps, and voting booths positioned out of reach for wheelchair users.
The availability and quality of voting aids for visually impaired individuals are also under question. Sucha noted that existing aids are often either unavailable or substandard, forcing blind voters to rely on assistance from others, which undermines the principle of a secret ballot and personal privacy.
The Bhumjaithai party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is hoping to benefit from its incumbency and recent defections from other parties. The party formed the last government in September after a court decision led to the removal of the previous premier. Key policies include a continuation of a co-payment subsidy scheme and a “10-Plus Plan” aimed at boosting economic growth and supporting vulnerable populations.
For some voters, the Bhumjaithai party’s commitment to inclusivity is a key factor. Runglapee Jaroenpol, 56, attended a recent rally with her autistic son, expressing her satisfaction with the party’s focus on caring for all Thais, including those with disabilities. “I’m very happy that disability is on the agenda. They seem like a party full of professionals,” she said.
However, some voters express a desire for the party to adopt a less confrontational approach. Nantana Wangsai, a 70-year-old retiree, believes that reducing discussion of controversial topics could encourage broader support. “I don’t know much about Teng, but I still trust this party, so I trust him,” she told CNA at the Thai-Japanese Bangkok Youth Centre on .
Wangsai also expressed hope for a decisive victory, noting the party’s previous inability to form a government despite winning the most votes in the 2023 election. “We just hope they can win in a landslide,” she said.
The concerns raised by disability organizations underscore a broader challenge facing Thailand’s political landscape. Recent political instability and the need for structural reforms, as highlighted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, require parties to regain voter trust and address evolving demands. The “grand compromise” between the conservative establishment and Thaksin Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party may also be prompting voters to reconsider their allegiances.
As Thailand prepares to head to the polls, ensuring equal access for all voters, including those with disabilities, will be crucial for upholding the principles of a fair and democratic election. The Election Commission faces mounting pressure to address the identified shortcomings and guarantee a truly inclusive voting experience.
