International Seminar Brings Industry Professionals and Public Institutions Together in Bangkok
Accessibility is becoming an increasingly important topic in Thailand’s real estate sector. On 20 October 2026, an international seminar in Bangkok will bring together real estate professionals, international experts, and Thai public institutions to discuss one of the industry’s key challenges: integrating Universal Design principles into private residential property development.
The event will take place at the Thai Real Estate Business School (TREBS) as part of the 300th Academic Seminar organized by the Thai Appraisal and Estate Agents Foundation, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Entitled Universal Design / Friendly Design for Sustainable Real Estate Development, the seminar will address a topic that has already received attention in Thailand through academic conferences, institutional initiatives, and accessibility projects, but is now becoming increasingly relevant to real estate professionals and developers.
Bringing Universal Design into the Real Estate Industry
In recent years, Thai universities, specialized organizations, and public institutions have promoted several initiatives focused on Universal Design, inclusive architecture, and the elimination of physical barriers.
What makes the 20 October seminar particularly significant is the direct involvement of professional real estate organizations, international industry representatives, and Thai public institutions, with the aim of encouraging the practical application of accessibility principles in property development.
The participation of FIABCI-Thai, the Thai Appraisal Foundation, and TREBS helps bring accessibility beyond traditional technical and social discussions, engaging professionals directly involved in property development, valuation, sales, and investment.
Accessibility is therefore addressed not only as a matter of social inclusion but also as an important component of residential quality and long-term real estate competitiveness.
Private Residential Real Estate: A Key Challenge
One of the most important aspects of the seminar is its focus on the private residential sector, including condominiums, villas, and residential developments.
In Thailand, accessibility requirements apply to certain categories of public and commercial buildings. However, there is currently no equivalent general obligation covering the entire private residential sector.
As a result, many residential projects are developed without systematically incorporating Universal Design principles.
Thailand’s aging population, changing housing needs, and increasing attention to quality of life make accessible residential environments more important than ever.
The challenge is to encourage developers to voluntarily integrate accessibility into their projects, without necessarily waiting for new legal requirements.
Universal Design can improve property functionality, expand the potential buyer market, and strengthen the long-term quality of residential developments.
Seminar Program: From Inclusive Design to International Discussion
The seminar will begin at 1:00 PM with an opening address by Prof. Dr. Wilailak Sakunpakdee, Chairperson of the Thai Appraisal and Estate Agents Foundation.
At 1:15 PM, Dr. Krisana Lalai, a leading advocate of Friendly Design and accessibility in Thailand, will discuss the role of Universal Design in sustainable real estate development.
His presentation will highlight the importance of creating accessible, safe, and inclusive environments that support independence and equal opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Dr. Krisana Lalai will also introduce the 10th Thailand Friendly Design, Health Innovation & Tourism for All Expo, scheduled for 3–6 December 2026 at BITEC Bangkok.
The international exhibition will focus on accessibility, innovation, healthcare, and inclusive tourism. As part of its real estate forums, Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai and Salvatore Parisi are also expected to participate in discussions on the future of accessible residential development.
2:30 PM – International Webinar with Five Real Estate Professionals
One of the highlights of the day will be the international webinar “Universal Design for Real Estate Developments”, starting at 2:30 PM and also available online via Zoom.
The discussion will feature five international real estate professionals:
- Dr. Om Rajbhandary – FIABCI-Thai, Nepal
- Salvatore Parisi – President, FIABCI-Thai Phuket, Italy
- Clayton Wade – Board Member, FIABCI-Thai, United States
- Pornthep Srinarula – Board Member, FIABCI-Thai, Thailand
- Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai – President, FIABCI-Thai, Thailand
The international panel will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives on Universal Design, particularly regarding its application, opportunities, and challenges within the real estate sector.
The participation of professionals from different countries is one of the seminar’s distinguishing features, encouraging international knowledge exchange and a broader understanding of accessibility in residential development.
Dialogue Between Real Estate Professionals and Thai Public Institutions
Another important feature of the program is the participation of Thai government representatives.
Following the international session and a short break, a discussion on Friendly Design in real estate development will begin at 3:45 PM.
Participants will include representatives from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Bangkok’s public works authorities, and professionals from the Thai Appraisal Foundation.
This dialogue between public institutions and real estate professionals will provide an opportunity to discuss how Universal Design principles can be more widely applied in Thailand.
Such cooperation is particularly relevant in a country where accessibility in private residential developments still depends largely on developers’ voluntary decisions.
The seminar is scheduled to conclude at 5:00 PM.
From Social Inclusion to Real Estate Quality
Universal Design has traditionally been associated with the needs of persons with disabilities and the removal of architectural barriers.
However, its application to the real estate market introduces a broader perspective.
An accessible home can benefit older residents, families with children, people with temporary mobility limitations, and anyone seeking a safer and more functional living environment.
Accessibility should therefore not be viewed as a feature designed exclusively for a specific group of people, but as a general standard of residential quality.
For property developers and investors, integrating Universal Design principles also means anticipating future housing needs and adapting to demographic changes.
In this context, professional real estate associations can play an important role in promoting awareness and encouraging the adoption of accessibility principles in new residential developments.
An Important Step for Thailand’s Real Estate Future
The 20 October seminar builds on years of Universal Design awareness initiatives promoted in Thailand by universities, public institutions, and specialized organizations.
Its distinctive contribution lies in the combination of professional real estate representation, international discussion, and institutional participation, with particular attention to practical applications in private residential property development.
The objective is to help move Universal Design beyond general awareness and encourage its practical integration into the real estate industry.
Accessibility should not be considered merely a technical requirement or a social responsibility, but an essential component of residential quality and the future of real estate development.
Event Information
Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Venue: Thai Real Estate Business School (TREBS), Bangkok
Seminar: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Thailand time)
International Webinar: 2:30 PM (Thailand) / 9:30 AM (Italy)
Format: In-person seminar in Bangkok and online international session
Full Seminar Program:
https://www.thaiappraisal.org/thai/monthly/monthly.php?event=3
International Webinar Information:
https://www.trebs.ac.th/t/294
Online participation in the international webinar is free. For registration details and availability, please refer to the organizers’ official websites.
Sources: Thai Appraisal and Estate Agents Foundation; Thai Real Estate Business School (TREBS).