‘Korat Friendly Design’ takes off as Nakhon Ratchasima organises IWAS World Games 2020
President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University (NRRU) council and former deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop opened an event called “Kick-Off Korat Friendly Design”, signing a declaration on universal architecture design in the province on Monday (November 25) at the NRRU auditorium.
The council president said advancements in science, medicine and technology are helping in decreased mortality rates and increased longevity.
“The survey found that in 2021, Thailand will become a truly ageing society with 20 per cent of the population alone being elderly,” he said.
A disability situation report in 2016 stated that there were 49.5 per cent of elderly with disabilities nationwide. Most of them became disabled from accident, illness, war or age.
“To give them a good quality of life, prevent them from discrimination, and protect their rights according to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and Thailand’s Constitution, we should be aware of the importance of a universal architecture design,” Suwat explained.
“The universal design should cover improvement and development of living areas, schools and workplaces. This is the reason why the NRRU has joined hands with the government, private sector and people of this province to promote Nakhon Ratchasima as the metropolis of universal architecture,” he said.
Furthermore, the province is organizing a disabled sports event called “IWAS World Games 2020” from February 20 to 28. Around 2,500 athletes from 40 countries are expected to compete.
“The declaration that has been signed today is in preparation for the province to host the event, as well as to promote tourism in the future,” he added.