When we realize that there is something wrong with our body, what can we do? If our legs are unable to move the way they did before, or our eyes cannot see things as clearly as before, how will we cope? Have we ever thought about how we would deal with a disability, or what kind of help other people need in such cases? For Chulalongkorn University staff who face these challenges, there is a system to support them so that they can remain capable of working for the organization or contributing usefully to others and their workplace.
Realizing the importance of helping people with disabilities reach their full potential, the university has launched a project to promote valuable employment with inclusiveness, fairness and equality for all. This includes the creation of a good environment with the necessary facilities for people with disabilities on the campus to serve both university staff and the public. The university is also committed to providing positive reinforcement for disabled people who might not yet have enough self–confidence in their potential or capability to work.
The Office of Human Resources Management has become a channel through which staff members with disabilities can share their experiences working as staff. The employment of the disabled is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 8: “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”. One of the indicators for the success of SDG 8 is the achievement of full and productive employment for all men and women, including young people and the disabled.
(Reference: National Economic and Social Development Council)
Mr. Weekit Koohamanee
Mr. Weekit Koohamanee is a Quality Assurance officer in the Faculty of Psychology. He has had difficulty seeing things since he was 13 years old. Officially, he is categorised as being in disability category 1 with respect to vision. He has been working at the university for eight years. At the moment, he says, he can see only things that are very close to him. As for his field of vision, it is like looking through a straw, which offers a very narrow perspective. Previously, he had worked with a private firm, but he wanted to give himself an opportunity to change to a new job in a new environment for a professional growth.
Mr Weekit acknowledges that his limited vision means that it takes him more time to do things than colleagues who do not have physical disability problems. In his previous job, his might have become a problem, but it has not been a big obstacle since he decided to switch careers. Change is not always negative, he says, since he has realized that it is good to learn something new. One change for the better since Mr Weekit joined the university is that all his colleagues and supervisors are very understanding about his limited vision. They have also given him the same opportunity as all other university staff to use his full capacity at work.
Mr Weekit’s advice to others with physical disabilities is that there are always opportunities to be found somewhere. We must always look for what we like to do and improve our skills for that work so we are skillful enough. When we are capable enough to do things, we will be in demand in the labor market. And even though his eyesight is continuing to deteriorate, he has never stopped learning and looking for something more challenging for himself. “No matter how bad my eyesight might become, I want to have as wide a perspective and long a vision for my life as possible”.
Mr. Win Wiwekpromratch
Mr. Win Wiwekpromratch is an Office Building Inspection Officer with the Faculty of Political Science พนักงานดูแลสถานที่). He has been working for Chulalongkorn University for more than 30 years and will retire in the next few years. He worked as a security guard when he first joined the university in 1990. Today he is classified as having category 3 disability, or trouble with physical movement. Eight years ago Mr Win was diagnosed with hemiparesis —weakness or inability to move on one side of the body — due to high blood pressure. He had to start using a cane to assist with standing, but then felt stressed and uncomfortable when trying to adjust. Mr Win said he was grateful to the university for giving him an opportunity to remain employed, and also for changing his duties to new ones more suitable for someone with his physical limitations. This has led to a strong commitment to do his best in the new position.
Mr Win offers some advice to others who may find themselves facing difficulties with physical disability: “Life is uncertain. No matter what we are doing now, we may not be able to do it for the rest of our life. Thus, we must be strong and patient, and most importantly, never give up.”
Last but not least, no matter what limitations you have, be courageous enough to give yourself a chance to show off your potential and capability that may be hidden under that limitation.
Chulalongkorn University aspires to offer an opportunity for everyone to showcase their skills with no limitations, and welcomes everyone to be a part of the university, to jointly build our future and drive the university to achieve its global goals.
Those who have a problem with disability have a strong desire to travel around or carry out activities in their workplace comfortably. However, most public walkways or buildings in Thailand are still not designed or constructed to serve those who have physical limitations. As a result, they struggle to find ways to live a normal life and accomplish everyday tasks. Associate Professor Trairat Jarutach, head of the Department of Housing in the Faculty of Architecture, explores this challenge in a study titled “Universal Design: Adjusting and Changing for Sustainability”. Universal design — a design to serve all people — is a key principle in the creation of surroundings and facilities that people of all ages can access, be they an ageing adult, an able–bodied person or a person with a disability. The goal is to create equality of access to any services anywhere, for the promotion of both physical and mental health.
Chulalongkorn University realizes the importance of facility management for disabled people using the campus, be they staff, students or the general public. Take for example Chamchuri Building 5, which received an award in 2020 for facilitating the disabled from the Ministry of Human Development and Human Security.
Chula Nives Dormitory Pre–Renovation
Chula Nives Dormitory Post–Renovation
The university has carried out renovation work on the Chula Nives Dormitory in order to bring its old structure into compliance with the latest requirements for fire prevention systems and fire exits under the Building Control Act. In addition, the university has renovated other old buildings to ensure that they are accessible for disabled people and can also facilitate other staff, students and members of the public who may visit the campus in the future.
Current ramp layout and accessibility for the disabled in Chulalongkorn University area
The university emphasizes the significance of its personnel in all sectors and promotes diversity, equity, coexistence, and adherence to human rights principles under the university’s care. Therefore, the Office of Human Resources is designated as the entity responsible for various matters concerning all groups of personnel. If you wish to report any issues or concerns, you can contact the Benefits and Human Resources Management Division at telephone number 02-218-0263
Chulalongkorn University is committed to promoting an equitable quality of life for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities as all other personnel. This commitment extends across various aspects, including policies, welfare, and accessibility to all areas within the university. This includes buildings, walkways, and common spaces. We continuously develop and improve our infrastructure and facilities across the university to make daily life easier for individuals with disabilities. All developments adhere to regulations and standards for disability access as published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.
These accessible areas are known as “Disabled Access” points, and they are located throughout the university. They include:
Crosswalks: 86 points
Ramps to sidewalks: 41 points
Seamless connections between sidewalks and crosswalks: 146 points
Indoor ramps: 100 locations
Accessible restrooms within buildings: 36 locations
Examples of Standardized Facilities within the University
Characteristics of a compliant ramp:
Non-slip surface materials.
Smooth and continuous transition between the floor and the ramp to prevent tripping.
Minimum width of 90 centimeters. For two-way traffic, the width must be at least 1.5 meters.
Clear maneuvering space at the front of the ramp, with a minimum length of 1.5 meters.
Maximum ramp length of 6 meters per section. If a ramp exceeds 6 meters, a landing area of at least 1.5 meters in length is required between sections.
Ramp and Handrail Standards
For ramps without side walls, a curb of at least 10 centimeters high is required, along with a handrail or guardrail.
Characteristics of a compliant handrail/guardrail:
Made from smooth, strong material that’s safe to grip, non-slip, and free of sharp edges.
Diameter between 3-4 centimeters.
Height from the ramp surface to the top of the handrail: 75-90 centimeters.
Handrails adjacent to a wall must be at least 4 centimeters away from the wall, and the wall surface near the handrail must be smooth.
Handrails must be continuous. If continuous rails are not feasible, gaps must not exceed 5 centimeters.
Standards for Accessible Restrooms
Wheelchair turning space: Must have a clear turning radius of at least 1.5 meters.
Flooring: Non-slip material is required, and the restroom floor must be level with the adjacent exterior floor.
Grab bars next to the toilet (wall side): Must include both horizontal and vertical grab bars for support (these can be continuous).
Horizontal bar: Must be 65-70 centimeters high, extending 25-30 centimeters beyond the front of the toilet bowl.
Vertical bar: Must extend upwards at least 60 centimeters from the end of the horizontal bar.
Grab bars next to the toilet (non-wall side): Must have a horizontal or foldable vertical grab bar that locks easily when extended, with a length of at least 55 centimeters and positioned 15-20 centimeters from the edge of the toilet.
Emergency signal system: The restroom must be equipped with a system for external notification to individuals with disabilities, as well as a system for individuals with disabilities to self-notify or call for assistance.
Door features: Doors must be either sliding or swing doors that can remain open at 90 degrees, have a horizontal grab bar, and be clearly marked with an accessibility sign.
Beyond the specific accessible facilities found throughout the university, the sidewalk continuous level at Chulalongkorn University is largely assessed and rated as medium to high. This indicates that the sidewalks are user-friendly, have minimal obstructions, and reduce barriers for both individuals with disabilities and the general public.
อาคารจามจุรี 5 ชั้น 5
254 ถนนพญาไท แขวงวังใหม่ เขตปทุมวัน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330
สถานที่ทำการชั่วคราว:
ชั้นลอย M2 อาคารเฉลิมราชกุมารี 60 พรรษา (อาคารจามจุรี 10)
และ ห้องประชุม 204 ชั้น 2 อาคารจามจุรี 3
โทร: 02-218-0151
อีเมล: hr@chula.ac.th
