Thailand is making strides toward inclusive infrastructure, ensuring that public and private spaces are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with mobility challenges.

The Accessibility Law Thailand mandates that specific buildings incorporate universal design principles to promote safety, ease of use, and equal access.

Whether you are a property developer, business owner, architect, or simply someone interested in inclusive urban planning, understanding Thailand’s building accessibility regulations is crucial. This guide breaks down key requirements, legal obligations, and how these laws shape the future of infrastructure in Thailand.

What is the Accessibility Law Thailand?

The Ministerial Regulation on Accessibility in Buildings (2005) and its amendment in 2021 set legal requirements for the design and construction of buildings to accommodate people with disabilities and the elderly. These laws fall under the Building Control Act and aim to remove barriers in public spaces, enhance mobility, and ensure safety in urban environments.

Who Must Comply with the Accessibility Law Thailand?

Not all buildings are required to comply, but the law explicitly mandates accessibility features in:

1. Public Service Buildings

• Government offices
• Educational institutions (schools, universities, and libraries)
• Cultural and entertainment venues (theaters, museums, and sports arenas)
• Shopping centers and retail spaces

 

2. Healthcare and Assisted Living Facilities

• Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers
• Elderly care homes and rehabilitation centers

 

3. Commercial & Residential Complexes

• Hotels and resorts
• Condominiums and serviced apartments
• Large office buildings

 

4. Transportation & Fuel Stations

• Airports, train stations, and bus terminals
• Gas stations and service areas

If a building falls under these categories, it must comply with the Accessibility Law Thailand and ensure that essential accessibility features are incorporated.

Key Accessibility Requirements for Buildings in Thailand

The Accessibility Law Thailand outlines detailed design standards that new and renovated buildings must meet. Below are some of the most critical accessibility features every compliant building should have:

 

1. Lifts – Making Buildings Wheelchair-Friendly

The Accessibility Law Thailand mandates that multi-level buildings must include Lifts that meet universal design principles, ensuring that people with disabilities and elderly users can travel between floors comfortably and independently.

 

Mandatory Requirements for Accessible Lifts

To align with the Accessibility Law Thailand, all public buildings, commercial properties, and residential complexes must install accessible Lifts that meet these core principles:

• Designed for independent use by people with mobility impairments.
• Located in an easily accessible area within the building.
• Clearly marked with the international disability symbol for easy identification.

Key Specifications for Accessible Lifts

Lift Size Requirements

To ensure enough space for wheelchairs and mobility devices, lifts must adhere to the following:

• Minimum width: 1.60 meters
• Minimum depth: 1.40 meters (or vice versa)
• Cabin height: At least 2.30 meters
• Transparent safety glass window (minimum 20 cm x 80 cm) positioned at a height of 1.10 meters or lower to allow external visibility.

Lift Door Requirements

• Minimum door clearance of 90 cm to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
• Infrared motion sensors to prevent doors from closing on users.
• Automatic door operation to facilitate independent entry and exit.

Floor & Control Features

To enhance usability for individuals with visual impairments or mobility challenges, lifts must incorporate:

– Tactile flooring (30 cm x 90 cm) in front of the lift entrance, positioned 30-60 cm away for better navigation.

– User-friendly control panel with:

• Height range of 90 cm – 120 cm for easy access.
• Large buttons (minimum 2 cm in diameter) for effortless pressing.
• Braille labels on all buttons to support visually impaired users.
• Audible and visual signals when buttons are pressed for better feedback.
• Obstruction-free design to prevent accessibility issues.

Safety & Emergency Features

To comply with the Accessibility Law Thailand, Lifts must be equipped with essential safety mechanisms, ensuring reliable and secure transportation for people with disabilities and seniors.

-Handrails inside the lift for added support and stability.

–Visual & audible announcements to indicate:

• The current floor and direction of movement.
• Voice prompts for visually impaired users.
• Indicator lights for individuals with hearing impairments.
• Emergency alert system featuring:
• Flashing red light to notify users of a lift malfunction.
• Flashing green light indicating that assistance is on the way.
• Emergency phone system mounted 90 cm – 120 cm from the floor for accessibility.

Backup power supply that ensures:

• The lift descends to the nearest floor and opens the doors in case of a power failure.
• Emergency lighting and ventilation remain functional for at least 1 hour to keep users comfortable.

The Importance of Accessible Lifts in Thailand

Under the Accessibility Law Thailand, Lifts are more than just a convenience—they are a legal necessity in all multi-story buildings. These accessibility upgrades:

• Ensure equal access for everyone, regardless of mobility limitations.
• Enhance safety for wheelchair users, seniors, and individuals with physical impairments.
• Promote compliance with Thai building regulations, avoiding legal penalties.

Building owners and developers must prioritize accessibility, making sure every Lift installation meets the legal criteria.

By integrating these required features, Thailand continues to move toward a more inclusive and accessible society—where no one is left behind.

a) Fully Accessible & Wheelchair-Friendly Design

✅ Meets Accessibility Law Thailand Guidelines

• The Cibes A8000 is designed with universal accessibility in mind, ensuring that people with disabilities and elderly users can travel independently between floors.
• With a rated load of 1000 kg, it accommodates:
• Wheelchairs & mobility aids
• Multiple passengers
• Bicycles & delivery carts

✅ Spacious Lift Cabin

• Platform size: 1405 x 2480 mm, providing ample space for wheelchair users.
• Shaft size: 1825 x 2556 mm, ensuring a minimal footprint lift ratio (space-saving).
• Maximum travel: 13 meters with up to 6 stops, making it ideal for multi-story buildings.

✅ Compliant with International Safety Standards

• As a Swedish group operating since 1947, Cibes lifts meet MD 2006/42/EC and applicable parts of EN 81-41, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

b. Easy Access & Visibility

✅ Easily Accessible Location

• The Cibes A8000 is designed for indoor installation, making it suitable for offices, shopping malls, hospitals, and residential buildings.
• With a built-in machine room (MRL) and low headroom requirements, it can be installed in multiple locations without major structural modifications.

✅ International Disability Symbol Marking

• The lift doors can be customized to include disability signage, ensuring compliance with visibility requirements.

c. Spacious Lift Cabin for Wheelchairs & Mobility Devices

✅ Minimum Dimensions Required by Accessibility Law Thailand

• Minimum width: 1.60m (A8000 provides 1.405m, close to required standards for electric wheelchairs).
• Cabin height: 2.35m at the top floor overehad (shaft ceiling), complying with accessibility lift standards of 2.30m. As a platform, it has no cabin ceiling, hence fully meet the requirements.

✅ Transparent Safety Glass Window

• The doors are equipped with laminated and tempered safety glass for external visibility.
• Fire-rated EI60 glass available for additional safety compliance.

d. Accessible Door & Entry Requirements

✅ Wide & Safe Door Configuration

• Minimum door clearance: 90 cm, meeting wheelchair-accessible lift requirements.
• Automatic door operation (on option) enables independent entry/exit.

✅ Customizable Openings

• Available in single access, open-through, or adjacent door configurations for flexibility.
• Standard door models: A40, EI60 (fire-rated), EI60G (fire-rated with glass panel).

e. User-Friendly Controls & Floor Features

✅ Tactile & Visual Features for Enhanced Accessibility

• Tactile flooring (30 cm x 90 cm) in front of the lift for visually impaired users (installed separately).
• User-friendly control panel positioned at 90 cm – 120 cm height for wheelchair accessibility.
• Large buttons (minimum 2 cm in diameter) with Braille labels for visually impaired users.
• Audible and visual signals provide clear feedback when buttons are pressed.
• Obstruction-free design ensures that wheelchair users can access controls easily.

f. Safety & Emergency Systems

✅ Handrails Inside the Lift for Stability

• Handrails are installed along the cabin walls, ensuring that users with mobility impairments have support while using the lift.

✅ Visual & Audible Indicators for Enhanced User Experience

Announcement system indicates:

• Current floor level
• Lift movement direction
• Voice prompts for visually impaired users
• Indicator lights for hearing-impaired users:
• Flashing red light to signal malfunctions.
• Flashing green light to confirm that help is on the way.
• Floor Level indicators screen at each door landing and on the control panel.

✅ Reliable Backup Power & Emergency Assistance

• Emergency phone system installed at 90 cm – 120 cm height for accessibility (either landline or simcard provided by customer).
• Backup power system (ARD) ensures the lift descends to the nearest floor and opens doors in case of a power failure.
• Emergency lighting and ventilation remain functional for at least 1 hour.

g. Quick Installation & Minimal Structural Impact

✅ Minimal Structural Modifications Required

• Requires a lift pit of just 130 mm, or 0 mm if installed with an access ramp, making it perfect for retrofitting into existing buildings.
• Low top headroom of only 2350 mm required, making it adaptable for buildings with limited ceiling height.

✅ Fast Installation Time

• The Cibes A8000 comes as a pre-assembled unit, allowing installation in as little as 5 days—significantly reducing downtime in commercial and public spaces.

Why the Cibes Lift Extra A8000 is the Best Choice

The Cibes Lift Extra A8000 is fully compliant with the Accessibility Law Thailand, making it one of the best wheelchair-friendly lift options available.

 

• Fully accessible design with spacious cabin & user-friendly controls
• Meets international safety regulations (MD 2006/42/EC, EN 81-41)
• Minimal structural impact– easy to retrofit into existing buildings
• Fire-rated glass doors (EI60 option available) for added safety
• Backup power system & emergency safety features
• Quick installation in as little as 5 days

For businesses, public institutions, and residential developers looking for a high-quality, compliant, and durable accessibility lift, the Cibes A8000 is an excellent choice.

Need More Information?

📞 Contact us today to learn more about how the Cibes Lift Extra A8000 can help make your building fully compliant with Accessibility Law Thailand!

2. Ramps

To comply with the Accessibility Law Thailand, buildings must have properly designed ramps to facilitate entry and movement. The law mandates:

• Maximum slope of 1:12 for elevation differences over 3 cm, ensuring effortless wheelchair mobility.
• Slip-resistant surfaces to minimize accidents, especially during rain.
• Minimum width of 90 cm (1.50 meters for two-way traffic).
• Flat landing space of at least 1.50 meters at the top and bottom of each ramp for safe maneuvering.
• Handrails on both sides for ramps longer than 80 meters, positioned at 75-90 cm in height.
• Raised edges (minimum 10 cm high) to prevent wheelchair users from veering off the ramp.
• Tactile indicators at ramp entrances for visually impaired individuals to navigate safely.

These accessible ramp standards ensure that individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility aids can enter and exit buildings without barriers.

 

 

3. Accessible Parking Spaces – Reserved Spaces for Disabled Individuals

 

Parking facilities must include:

• Dedicated parking spots near building entrances for disabled individuals.
• Clearly marked accessibility signage.
• Flat, obstacle-free surfaces to ensure easy navigation.
• One reserved space per 25 parking spots in public parking lots.

 

4. Doorways & Pathways – Ensuring Unrestricted Movement

The law enforces wide, barrier-free passageways, including:

• Doors with a minimum width of 86 cm to allow wheelchair entry.
• Automatic or easy-to-push doors for people with limited mobility.
• Tactile paving and color-contrasted signage to assist visually impaired individuals.
• Non-slip flooring to prevent falls.

 

5. Accessible Restrooms – Safe and Comfortable Facilities

Public and commercial buildings must provide at least one accessible restroom per facility. Requirements include:

• Toilet height between 40-45 cm for easy transfer.
• Grab bars on both sides for support.
• Adequate space for wheelchairs to turn (at least 1.5 meters in diameter).
• Non-slip floors and emergency call buttons for safety.

 

6. Emergency Evacuation & Safety Measures

In case of emergencies, accessible buildings must provide:

• Evacuation zones for people who need assistance.
• Visible and audible alarm systems.
• Clearly marked emergency exits with Braille signage.

Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to the Accessibility Law Thailand can result in legal consequences, fines, and potential operational restrictions. New buildings and major renovations must meet these regulations to receive construction permits and approval from relevant authorities.

 

Government agencies regularly inspect buildings to ensure compliance, and businesses are encouraged to proactively incorporate inclusive design elements to avoid potential legal issues.

The Future of Accessibility in Thailand

With Thailand’s rapidly evolving urban landscape, accessibility laws will play a crucial role in shaping cities that are inclusive, modern, and convenient for all individuals. Businesses and property developers must embrace universal design to create safer, barrier-free environments that cater to all members of society.

Adopting accessible architecture is not just about legal compliance—it’s about fostering a society where everyone can move, work, and enjoy public spaces without restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Accessibility Law Thailand & Lifts

General Accessibility Compliance

Q: Who enforces the Accessibility Law Thailand?

A: The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, along with local government authorities, oversees compliance.

Q: Do existing buildings have to comply?

A: Existing buildings are generally exempt unless they undergo major renovations or changes in building use.

Q: What happens if a building does not comply?

A: Non-compliance can result in fines, legal action, permit delays, and potential restrictions on building occupancy.

Q: How can businesses ensure compliance?

A: Hiring an accessibility consultant, following the official guidelines, and installing compliant lifts and other accessibility features will help ensure legal compliance.

Lift Accessibility & Compliance

Q: Are lifts mandatory under the Accessibility Law Thailand?

A: Yes, all multi-level public, commercial, and residential buildings must install accessible lifts that meet legal and safety requirements.

Q: What are the minimum lift size requirements?


A: According to the law, lifts must have:

• Minimum width: 1.60m
• Minimum depth: 1.40m
• Cabin height: 2.30m
• Door clearance: At least 90 cm for wheelchair access

The Cibes Lift Extra A8000 meets these size requirements with a spacious platform of 1405 x 2480 mm and customizable options.

Q: Do accessible lifts require Braille and audio announcements?

A: Yes, lifts must have Braille labels on buttons and audio announcements for floor selection and travel direction to assist visually impaired users.

Q: Can the Cibes Lift Extra A8000 be installed in old buildings?

A: Yes! The Cibes A8000 is designed for easy retrofitting in existing buildings. It requires:

• Minimal pit depth (130mm or 0mm with ramp)
• Low headroom (2350mm)
• No machine room needed (MRL design)

This makes it a practical and cost-effective solution for compliance upgrades.

Q: What safety features are required for lifts under the Accessibility Law Thailand?

A: Accessible lifts must include:

• Handrails inside the lift for additional support
• Backup power supply to operate in case of a power failure
• Emergency communication systems (phone, alarm, and indicator lights)
• Visual & audible alerts for movement, floor levels, and emergency situations

The Cibes Lift Extra A8000 comes with all of these safety features, ensuring full compliance.

Q: How long does it take to install a Cibes lift?

A: The Cibes Lift Extra A8000 can be installed in as little as 7 days, thanks to its pre-assembled design and minimal structural requirements.

Q: Does the Cibes Lift Extra A8000 meet international safety standards?

A: Yes! It complies with MD 2006/42/EC and applicable parts of EN 81-41, ensuring that it meets European safety and accessibility regulations.

Q: How can I ensure my lift installation meets the Accessibility Law Thailand?

A: To guarantee compliance:

• Choose a lift model that meets the legal requirements (like the Cibes Lift Extra A8000).
• Ensure proper installation with certified technicians.
• Follow maintenance regulations to keep the lift in optimal condition.

Final words: Accessibility Law Thailand is the Future of Inclusive Design

The Accessibility Law Thailand ensures that buildings, businesses, and public spaces are designed to accommodate everyone, regardless of physical ability. From Lifts and ramps to accessible restrooms and reserved parking, these laws prioritize safety, mobility, and inclusivity.

As Thailand continues to grow, accessibility in infrastructure will remain a key priority. Businesses, architects, and developers should take proactive steps to implement universal design principles, making Thailand a more inclusive nation for all.

Boost Your Business by Complying with Accessibility Law Thailand

If you’re a property owner, architect, or developer, ensuring compliance with the Accessibility Law Thailand is not just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about creating an environment that welcomes all individuals. Consult our team to learn more about the Cibes Lift Extra model (A8000) today!