Work is underway in Jomtien
to provide the handicap with better access to the beach.
Vittaya Yoondorn
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Thai PBS’ Universal Design
program are co-sponsoring a prototype project that will bring handicapped
access, parking and restrooms to Jomtien Beach.
Under construction by the Pattaya Engineering Department,
the 400,000 baht facilities at Jomtien Soi 5 are being built to
international standards in hopes of not only improving beach access for
disabled Thais, but wheelchair-bound foreign tourists.
The centerpiece of the project is a sloped access path to
allow handicapped persons to cross Jomtien Beach Road safely. The
10-centimenter slope begins in front of the Krua Surf restaurant.
Restrooms will be located behind the Pattaya Call Center offices on Soi 5,
opposite the restaurant, while the parking will be located opposite the
Splendid Resort. Access ramps to all facilities will be 1.5 meters wide.
The parking lot and restrooms have opened while
construction continues and additional work and landscaping is still
required. However, handrails have been installed and signs posted to advise
people of the coming features.
