Thailand wins UN disability award

Thailand's Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the award ceremony

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- The United Nations has recognized Thailand's efforts to help its disabled citizens by presenting it with a special award.

Thailand's Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who led the drive, accepted the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability award on behalf of her country from United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

She told CNN she hoped the award would make not only Thailand but also the rest of the world more aware of problems people with disabilities face.

VIDEO Thailand's Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

"There are many people who need special help. For example they can not see clearly, cannot hear clearly but if they can be helped a little bit further they can do all things like other people do and they can be part of the human resource that develops the country" she said.

Annan said Thailand had adopted "innovative policies that will go a long way towards creating a society in which persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunity, including their right to employment".

Thailand worked closely with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to raise awareness of disability issues.