BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS THROUGH TRAVEL IN THAILAND

November 15, 2024

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS THROUGH TRAVEL IN THAILAND

Traveling is a profound and transformative experience, and it holds even greater significance for persons with disabilities. By embracing the joys and challenges of travel, individuals with disabilities can break down barriers, inspire others, and lead the way towards a more inclusive and understanding world. As accessible travel continues to evolve, it is essential for society to recognize the importance of making travel experiences open and enriching for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Through such efforts, we can collectively foster a world where the wonders of exploration are accessible to all.

Manique Gunaratne together with women with disabilities from the Asia Pacific region got the opportunity to spend an evening at the Bang Pu Recreation Centre in Bangkok, Thailand in December 2023.

Bang Pu, also known as Bang Pu Recreation Center is a seaside resort on the Bay of Bangkok (upper Gulf of Thailand) belonging to Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province, central Thailand.

Bang Pu, literally 'place of crabs', was established in accordance with the ideas of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram while serving as Prime Minister in 1937 to be a place of #recreation for people in that era. It occupies an area of 369 rai (about 252 acres). At present, it has been maintained by the Quartermaster Department Royal Thai Army.

It gained great popularity among people especially young people in the 1950s–1960s, as it is the closest seaside to Bangkok. It is mentioned in the dialogue of the 1997 film Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters as a place where Dang's girlfriend wants to go on a trip.

A Bang Pu landmark is Saphan Suk Ta a pier extending into the sea. At its end is a restaurant called Sala Sukjai where dances are held every Saturday evening.

Bang Pu provides habitat for large flocks of migratory seagulls that migrate from Siberia annually in the early winter (around beginning of November).