MEASURES TO PROMOTE ACCESSIBLE WEBSITES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN THAILAND ACCORDING TO WCAG TO REDUCE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Abstract

Equal access to digital information and services is a fundamental human right, particularly for persons with disabilities who face barriers due to inaccessible website design, highlighting the digital divide. The World Health Organization identifies the digital divide as a social determinant of health, contributing to broader health disparities. According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand has 2,280,409 persons with disabilities, accounting for 3.45% of the total population, many of whom experience inaccessible healthcare and public services. This article proposes a three-phase framework of measures to promote accessible websites for persons with disabilities in Thailand. Short-term measures include raising awareness among the private sector and technology developers through public campaigns, seminars, training sessions, curriculum development, awards for exemplary websites, and the promotion of website evaluations based on WCAG standards. Medium-term measures involve establishing national standards, enacting legislation mandating WCAG compliance, implementing regulatory oversight mechanisms, conducting government-led website evaluations-of which in 2022, 242 websites from 411 organizations passed-and introducing incentive schemes and support for businesses to enable individuals with disabilities to access technology and digital content. Long-term measures focus on enhancing digital skills among persons with disabilities through upskilling and reskilling programs, encouraging their participation in designing digital services, and developing infrastructure that supports assistive technologies. These integrated efforts in policy, technology, and human rights aim to realize the principle of “leave no one behind” (LNOB).