Thailand International Airport Accessibility Information
Thailand International Airport Accessibility Information
General Information
Each airport is accompanied by its Airport Code (a simplified three-letter code used to identify an international airport), a Telephone number (you may need to use exit codes, and the country code for Thailand if you are calling from outside Thailand), website, and a breakdown of useful information.
It is generally recommended that you arrive at a Thailand Airport a minimum of 3-hours prior to an international flight (even if the airport provides a less congested security check for passengers in wheelchairs). Flights typically begin boarding 1-hour prior to the departure time and it is especially important for passengers in wheelchairs to be present early, as they are typically the first to board. If you are a passenger in a wheelchair planning a trip with a layover for an international flight, you should consider planning a minimum of 2-hours between flights (anything less could be problematic if your previous flight was delayed and/or if you have to pass through security to reach your connecting flight).
Service Dogs and Medication:
Those planning to bring service dogs will face many restrictions, please see this page from Thailand Department of Livestock Development for more information: http://en.dld.go.th/index.php/en/pet-travel-menu/importation-animal-animal-products
Be aware that various drugs/medicines which are commonly available in other countries may be restricted in Thailand. Please see this page by Thailand Online Visa for drug/medicine restrictions in Thailand: https://www.thailandvisa.net/permitted-medication/
Suvarnabhumi Airport (Unofficially known as Bangkok Airport; Located in Bangkok, Thailand)
Airport Code: BKK | Telephone: 02-132-1888 | Website: https://suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th/en
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets (including multipurpose unisex restrooms)
- Multiple Elevators
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Electric cart pick-up
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge.)
- Perks: More than a dozen shops, dozens of dining options, various services throughout the airport, close to Bangkok, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport. The airport is fairly new and designed to accommodate those with disabilities, staff members are friendly and willing to provide assistance.
- Challenges: [Some] This airport can take some time to navigate due to its layout. May not have an Aisle Wheelchair available at airport (recommend checking that the plane you are flying on has one available). Language barriers may be an issue due to limited number of multilingual staff, however signs are posted with English transitions (the official website supports the Thai Language, Chinese, Japanese, English, & Russian). Possible Additional Challenge: This may have been addressed, however, there has been occurrences reported of staff not willing to deliver power wheelchairs to the gate of your flight, instead having the customer wait for a long time at baggage claim (depending on the county you are coming from, such as the US, a wait more than 30-minutes is a violation of your rights and should be reported).
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 45-minutes by train or 33-minutes by car from the center of Bangkok with easy access to a Train, Taxi, Limousine, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and not available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available). Here is a possible taxi & tour service by Help & Care Travel Co., Ltd. for people with disabilities (Note: haven’t used them personally, so additional research is recommended prior to booking): https://www.wheelchairtours.com/#!transfers/c8hd
- Maps: https://www.bangkokairportonline.com/suvarnabhumi-airport-terminal-map/ In this link, provided by New Bangkok Airport Guide (official website maps are not available), you’ll find maps of the Facilities (that contains the majority of the Accessibility options listed in the section above). Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: No official information provided; the airports official English version site is very limited in information.
Don Mueang International Airport (Located in Bangkok, Thailand)
Airport Code: DMK | Telephone: 02-535-1192 | Website: https://donmueang.airportthai.co.th/en#
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets
- A Couple Elevators
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Electric cart pick-up
- Parking Lot Spaces for people with disabilities
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge).
- Perks: Easy to navigate, several shops, several dining options, various services throughout the airport, close to Bangkok, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport. The airport is condensed and designed with some accommodations for those with disabilities, staff members are friendly and willing to provide assistance.
- Challenges: [Minimal] May not have an Aisle Wheelchair available at airport (recommend checking that the plane you are flying on has one available). Language barriers may be an issue due to limited number of multilingual staff, however signs are posted with English transitions (the official website supports the Thai Language, Chinese, Japanese, English, & Russian).
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 60-minutes by train or 32-minutes by car from the center of Bangkok with easy access to a Train, Taxi, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and not available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available). Here is a possible taxi & tour service by Help & Care Travel Co., Ltd. for people with disabilities (Note: haven’t used them personally, so additional research is recommended prior to booking): https://www.wheelchairtours.com/#!transfers/c8hd
- Maps: https://ya3.co/airports/DMK/maps/ In this link, provided by ya3.Co (official website maps are not available), you’ll find basic maps of the Facilities. Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: No official information provided; the airports official English version site is very limited in information.
References
“Bring Your Pet Into Thailand.” Thailand Department of Livestock Development, 12 Feb. 2018, http://en.dld.go.th/index.php/en/pet-travel-menu/importation-animal-animal-products. “
“Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand Maps.” ya3.Co, https://ya3.co/airports/DMK/maps/.
“Permitted Medication for Traveling to Thailand.” Thailand Online Visa, 17 Jan. 2019, https://www.thailandvisa.net/permitted-medication/.
“Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminal Map.” New Bangkok Airport Guide, https://www.bangkokairportonline.com/suvarnabhumi-airport-terminal-map/.
“Wheelchair Holidays, Travel Agent for Disabled & Elderly in Thailand.” Help & Care Travel Co., Ltd., https://www.wheelchairtours.com/#!transfers/c8hd.
DISCLAIMER: Always review your airports rules and restricted items prior to packing you stowed/carry-on luggage. Information is based on Internet and/or personal inquiries, outdated info/inaccuracies may occur (please post any updated information, preferably with reference). TabiFolk Accessible Travel Forum, Accessible Japan, and the author of this post are not paid by, or affiliated with, any of the airports and/or websites mentioned in this article.
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