AYUTTHAYA, Thailand – A group of nine visually impaired tourists from the United Kingdom have experienced a unique and unforgettable journey in Thailand, particularly in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, where they were able to “see” the iconic Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple through tactile metal models, Nov 20.
Prior to their visit to Ayutthaya, the group enjoyed exploring Chatuchak Weekend Market and were impressed by the variety of souvenirs available.
Upon arriving in Ayutthaya, they were guided by Nithi Suebpongsang, Vice President of the Ayutthaya Provincial Tourism Industry Council, who introduced them to various historical sites.
At Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Nithi provided a tactile model of the pagoda to help the tourists visualize its structure.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly their visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Thanks to a donation from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand and the World Monuments Fund, a tactile model of the temple was made available to the public on November 15, 2024, as part of a temple restoration project.
The blind tourists were among the first to experience this innovative approach, which included Braille markings on the model. Their excitement was palpable as many of them were visiting Thailand for the first time and were able to “see” the grandeur of Wat Chaiwatthanaram through touch.
This initiative was made possible through the research and development efforts of Supawadee Photiyarach from the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), who focused on creating high-quality tourism experiences for all.
The successful visit of this group of blind tourists, facilitated by European travel agencies such as Seeable from the UK and an Italian agency, signifies a significant step forward in making Thailand a more accessible destination for travelers with disabilities. (TNA)
