My Moan About Bangkok

December 21, 2011 · 7 comments

We’re loving the city life here in Bangkok, Thailand; the food choice, the variety of things to do & the shopping.

Strolling in Bangkok

However I do like to have a moan. The thing we’ve found most difficult about living in this city is getting around with a toddler.

Pavements are generally uneven & too small with often no slope down to the road.Basically this city is not designed for people that want to walk with their children or take them on public transport.

Crossing the road is an exercise in self confidence and guts.

Getting on to a BTS platform (Sky Train) normally involves at least having to climb one or two flights of stairs.

We have also yet to come across any lifts at any BTS station that have actually been in service.

Out of service lifts in BangkokI was even more surprised to see no ramps at the entrance to the brand new Terminal 21 shopping mall on Sukhumvit Road.

For families such as ours with kids the whole process is a bit of a nightmare.

I have heard that most local & seasoned expats drive or take a taxi everywhere but when you’re only going a few blocks away there doesn’t seem
much point.

Can’t imagine if you were disabled having to navigate yourself around this city.

20111221-074557.jpg

Anybody else noticed the same issue? Comment and input is always welcome.

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  • http://twitter.com/acceleratedstal Maria

    Hey it’s the married w/kids travel work out!  *laugh*  Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

    • Anonymous

      And to you too Maria :-)

  • Vero

    Getting around with kids points out diffiicencies in any city I think – I remember thinking about Montreal how difficult it must be when handicapped to get around when I started taking Louis out in his stroller. One might be inclined to think things are more accessible generally in so-called “developped” countries, but I bet you’d find the same just about anywhere. Though, I must say, over here, with the baby-boom we’ve had, I do find things have gotten generally more family-friendly over the past few years. “Criticial mass” and blah blah blah I guess.
    Do you think Bangkok has the means to put more accessibility in its infrastructure?

    • Anonymous

      Hi Vero

      I think the issue is that it’s not the norm here to walk the streets at all. In SE Asia walking can often equate to being poor so it’s not something most people do. If the local population don’t make a fuss about this then it is unlikely that anything will change.