Published on Sep 15, 2005

Appalled hosts of ‘Kom Chad Luek’ advised to raise issue at ministry

People with physical disabilities who were discussing their constitutional rights on a TV show on Tuesday night were left aghast when Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook refused to participate by phone.

“Since when has the ministry been relocated to your studio?” were Watana’s first words. “Come and see me at the ministry and I will work on your problems. And since you all are now discussing the matter at the studio, let the hosts handle the job to have your grievances solved.”

The hosts of the special “Kom Chad Luek” programme told Watana they were merely gathering information to make suggestions for future implementation, when the minister repeated his message.

“Come and talk to me at the ministry. Even blind people can get to me,” he said, before hanging up.

National Human Rights Commissioner Jaral Dithaaphichai told the programme he was disappointed by Watana’s negative gesture toward both the disabled and the media.

Torphong Kullakhanchit, a senior official with the Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability, said he was considering suing several government agencies to give them a wake-up call for not providing facilities for the handicapped, even though eight years had passed since they were required by the Constitution to do so.

Krissana Chaiyarat, one of the hosts and a disabled person, said he was appalled by Watana’s dismal response to a request for help from people like him, especially when it related to government buildings.

Although Watana said he was driving and had no information at hand when contacted by the studio, Krissana said the minister had been briefed on the phone-in inquiry and its subject matter. Krissana questioned Watana’s qualifications to head the ministry and asked for someone to replace him who had a service mentality and caring attitude. “I doubt he is fit for the job, or he has been given the portfolio just out of political considerations.”

Supharatham Mongkhonsawas, chairman of the Independent Committee for Equality, said Watana threw away his chance to serve the public by refusing to even hear out what the disabled would like to tell him. His group might organise a rally to grab the public’s attention on the hardships faced by disabled people, he said.
The Nation