PPPC and Kasetsart University Hold Public Hearings on Deaf Community Needs to Develop TTRS System

The Performance and Audit Committee (PPPC) on promotion of people's rights and freedoms is partnering with Kasetsart University to hold public forums across seven regions nationwide, collecting input from deaf individuals, hearing individuals, and relevant agencies. The initiative focuses on developing the Thai Telecommunication Relay Service (TTRS), which enables communication between deaf and hearing people, as part of a 2025 consultant engagement project monitoring people's rights and freedoms.

Isarasmet Kruea-hong, PPPC committee member, stated that communication system development must ensure all citizens have equal, fair, and universal access. For people with hearing and speech disabilities, promoting telecommunication access requires both appropriate service packages and development of efficient Relay Services using communication formats suited to users' limitations. Therefore, TTRS should be continuously improved and elevated to stable and sustainable communication infrastructure.

Researchers from Kasetsart University, representing faculties of social sciences, engineering, and economics, outlined two key activities: public hearings with deaf individuals to gather real-world experiences and service access challenges, and focus group discussions with relevant agencies and disability experts to exchange perspectives and propose systemic improvements.

The seven-region hearing tour (February-April 2025) includes: Bangkok with 50+ agency representatives at Rama Gardens Hotel and 200+ deaf participants at Best Western Nada Don Muang; Northern Region in Chiang Mai with deaf hearings at Anusorn School for the Deaf and focus groups at Mercure Hotel; Eastern Region in Chon Buri with deaf forums at Chon Buri School for the Deaf and focus groups at Bang Saen Heritage Hotel; Central Region in Nakhon Pathom with deaf hearings at Nakhon Pathom School for the Deaf and focus groups at Mida Grand Twarawadi; Western Region in Kanchanaburi with deaf forums at Kanchanaburi School for the Deaf and focus groups at Prelude Hotel; Northeastern Region in Khon Kaen with deaf hearings at Khon Kaen School for the Deaf and focus groups at Charoenthanee Hotel; and Southern Region in Songkhla with deaf forums at Songkhla School for the Deaf and focus groups at Buriisriphoo Hotel in Hat Yai. Data and feedback from all seven regions will be analyzed to develop policy recommendations.