Bangkok, Thailand – An important institutional meeting has recently laid the foundation for a future collaboration between the real estate industry and the world of universal accessibility. The initiative was facilitated by Salvatore Parisi, President of FIABCI Thai Phuket, who organized and promoted a meeting between Dr. Krisana Lalai, President of Thailand Friendly Design, and Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, President of FIABCI Thailand.

The objective of the meeting was to establish a meaningful dialogue between organizations that share a common vision: contributing to the development of a more modern, sustainable, and inclusive real estate sector.

Thailand Friendly Design is widely recognized as one of Thailand’s leading organizations dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and anyone who requires environments designed according to the principles of Universal Design.

During the discussion, several opportunities for collaboration emerged, including the development of training programs, professional seminars, workshops, and educational initiatives aimed at property developers, real estate professionals, architects, designers, construction companies, and hospitality operators.

A Sector That Needs Greater Awareness

Thailand’s real estate industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly in major residential and tourism destinations. However, many residential developments, condominiums, villas, resorts, and hotels still do not fully meet modern accessibility standards.

The aging population, the growth of senior tourism, the increasing attention to people with reduced mobility, and the rising demand for accessible properties make education and awareness more important than ever.

According to the participants, the future of real estate cannot focus solely on aesthetics, technology, and energy efficiency. Accessibility must become a fundamental component of quality living and sustainable development.

TREBS: A Center of Excellence for Real Estate Education

One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the role of TREBS – Thai Real Estate Business School, founded and directed by Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, and recognized as one of Thailand’s leading institutions for real estate education, research, and professional development.

Through TREBS, the parties explored the possibility of creating specialized courses, certification programs, workshops, and seminars dedicated to accessibility, Universal Design, and international best practices in inclusive development.

The goal is to educate a new generation of real estate professionals who are more aware of the needs of people with disabilities, senior citizens, and all individuals who require truly accessible environments.

Potential topics include barrier-free design, international accessibility standards, inclusive tourism, building regulations, construction innovation, and the practical implementation of Universal Design principles in residential, commercial, and hospitality developments.

The International Experience of Thailand Friendly Design

A significant contribution to this initiative can come from the experience of Dr. Krisana Lalai, who for more than ten years has been the driving force behind the Thailand Friendly Design Expo, one of Asia’s most important events dedicated to accessibility and inclusion.

Held annually in Bangkok, the Expo brings together government agencies, public and private organizations, universities, associations, industry experts, and companies from numerous countries around the world to showcase innovative solutions related to accessibility, mobility, inclusive tourism, smart cities, and quality of life.

Over the years, the event has become an international reference point for promoting best practices in accessibility and inclusion, attracting thousands of visitors and delegates from across the globe.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The meeting facilitated by Salvatore Parisi, President of FIABCI Thai Phuket, represents far more than a networking opportunity. It marks the beginning of a path that could help bridge the gap that still exists between real estate development and accessibility.

Through collaboration between FIABCI Thailand, TREBS, and Thailand Friendly Design, new educational initiatives can be developed to raise awareness among developers and industry professionals while encouraging the creation of projects that comply with international accessibility standards.

At a time when Thailand is strengthening its position as a global destination for tourism, real estate investment, retirement living, and healthcare services, inclusion is no longer simply a social responsibility—it is a strategic opportunity for innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

As highlighted during the meeting, creating truly accessible buildings and infrastructure is not only a technical or regulatory matter. It is a strategic decision that increases property value, improves quality of life, and enhances the competitiveness of tourism and residential destinations on an international level.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting a more inclusive real estate culture—one that combines economic development, innovation, and social responsibility. This collaboration has the potential to become a model for the future of the real estate industry in Thailand and across Southeast Asia.

Photo Caption

From left to right: Dr. Krisana Lalai, President of Thailand Friendly Design and founder of the Thailand Friendly Design Expo; Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, President of FIABCI Thailand and founder of TREBS – Thai Real Estate Business School; Salvatore Parisi, President of FIABCI Thai Phuket and facilitator of the meeting aimed at creating new synergies between the real estate industry and the world of accessibility and inclusion.