A group photo was taken with the delegates from NDC67 Tiger Team and APCD

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, made a welcome remark and emphasized the importance of Disability-Inclusive Development to delegates

Dr. Seree Nonthasoot, Chairperson of the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand led the discussion on collaboration between NDC67 and APCD towards the rights realization of persons with disabilities in Thailand.

The Tiger Troop delegation explored the APCD projects and learned concept and operational facts of 60+ Plus Project

Group Photo of Organizing Team and all onsite Resource Person.

Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, APCD Staff with Autism and Networking & Collaboration Officer, shared her experience and recommendations on UNDIS Implementation.  

Somchai Rungsilp led the session, showcasing the DiDRR matrix. He explained the relationships among types of impairments and the stages of disasters.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen conducted Disability Equality Training or DET in short. He handed the microphone to a participant, encouraging her to share her thoughts on disability inclusion.

Ms. Hiroko Itako demonstrated mini-exercises on disability inclusion and disaster risk reduction. She encouraged participants to identify and overcome barriers in Japan and Thailand.

Mr. Somchai and Mr. Watcharapol showcased DiDRR materials. They demonstrated how to use each material during different disaster scenarios.

Group photo of more than a hundred participants included business sectors, companies, speakers, organizers, and persons with disabilities at the opening ceremony.

The collaborative and supportive group photo between the organizers, government sectors, private business sectors, and representative persons with disabilities.

Overall, the view of persons with disabilities was consulting, looking for a job, and having an interview with the company.

Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer, APCD volunteered to assist and accommodate persons with disabilities during the event.

4 November 2024 - Executive Director Piroon Laismit, accompanied by the APCD team, paid a courtesy visit to Director-General  Chokchai Wichienchaiya of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The constructive dialogue focused on strengthening organizational ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

During the meeting, both leaders engaged in meaningful discussions about empowering persons with disabilities through comprehensive capacity-building programs and initiatives to strengthen their talents. The conversation highlighted shared commitments to promoting inclusive, barrier-free environments that enhance social and economic inclusion, ultimately contributing to the well-being of persons with disabilities.

This strategic engagement between APCD and DEP marks another significant step in their shared vision of creating an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive. Both organizations look forward to implementing collaborative projects to benefit the disability community throughout Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting emphasized the ongoing dedication of both organizations to fostering partnerships that create meaningful impact on disability rights, empowerment, and Disability-inclusive development.
 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), and APCD team participated in a commemorative event celebrating 70 years of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) with Thailand. Held at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok, the seminar, titled Japan’s ODA 70th Anniversary Seminar: Creating Tomorrow Together, highlighted decades of cooperation and explored future pathways for Thai-Japanese collaboration.

The event began with opening remarks from H.E. Mr. Masato Otaka, Japan’s Ambassador to Thailand, and Ms. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). H.E. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Special Advisor to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations and Japan's enduring support for Thailand’s sustainable development.

Throughout the morning, panel discussions addressed the evolution of Japan’s ODA efforts, focusing on pressing issues such as renewable energy, sustainable development, and inclusive social programs. The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Kazuya Suzuki, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand Office, who affirmed the importance of a shared vision for a sustainable future.

BANGKOK, November 1, 2024 — The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Mr. Piroon Laismit, the Executive Director welcomes Ms. Jun Youngsuk, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). This visit focuses on the ongoing collaboration among the three agencies to further their shared development goals.

The delegation engaged in discussions about future collaborations during a meeting with APCD’s Executive Director. They also toured the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Café, an initiative aimed at empowering persons with disabilities through vocational skills development and APCD's accessible facilities.

This  is another step in strengthening the partnership between KOICA, TICA and APCD, emphasizing their dedication to projects that promote societal inclusion and mutual benefit.

Delegation Details
KOICA
Ms. Youngsuk Jun, Country Director
Ms. Soohyun Park, Program Manager
Mr. Chuanphot Thinphovong, Program Officer
TICA
Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General
Mr. Sinpira Nakchamrassri, Development Cooperation Officer (Practitioner Level)

October 31, 2024

His Excellency OTAKA Masato, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand, conducted an official visit Thursday to the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), marking a significant step forward in regional inclusive development initiatives.

The distinguished delegation, which included Labor Attaché MIYATA Shinji, engaged in high-level consultations aimed at strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

During substantive discussions with APCD Executive Director Piroon Laismit, Ambassador Otaka emphasized the significance of the bilateral relationship: "This partnership exemplifies the longstanding cordial relations between our nations."

The comprehensive visit included focused deliberations on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, led by ITAKO Hiroko, a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer, alongside the APCD team. These discussions yielded valuable insights into advancing educational accessibility and fostering an inclusive barrier-free society throughout the region.

In a notable demonstration of successful cooperation, the delegation toured APCD's 60+ Plus Bakery & Café, accompanied by AKIYAMA Masami, President and Executive Director of Thai Yamazaki. This facility stands as a testament to effective vocational training and employment integration programs.

The establishment's achievements in implementing disability-inclusive employment practices particularly impressed the visitors, with program participants demonstrating remarkable professional capabilities during the tour.

"This organization represents the fruits of our nations' shared commitment to inclusive development," noted Ambassador Otaka, reaffirming Japan's ongoing dedication to this vital partnership.

This high-level engagement further solidifies both nations' unwavering commitment to advancing disability-inclusive initiatives, building upon decades of successful collaboration in social development.

On October 30, 2024The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The delegation was led by Mr. Yohei Takahashi, Director of the Security Team from JICA's Human Development Department's Higher Education and Social Security Group.

During the productive meeting, APCD Executive Director Mr. Piroon Laismit and his team engaged in strategic discussions with the JICA representatives, reviewing the successful progress of ongoing projects supported by Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA). The visit underscored the strong partnership between the two organizations.

The JICA delegation included senior officials from both headquarters and the Thailand Office:

From JICA Headquarters:

• Mr. Yohei Takahashi, Director of the Security Team, Higher Education and Social Security Group, Human Development Department

From JICA Thailand Office:

• Ms. Yuki Kitagawa, Senior Representative
• Mr. Naomasa Fukuda, Representative
• Ms. Wanwarang Mahawongs, Program Officer
• Ms. Sangwan Nuttinun, Program Officer

The meeting reinforced the ongoing collaboration between JICA and APCD in advancing developmental initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.

Group photo of Srinakharinwirot University students, lecturers, and APCD staff at the training building.

The welcoming speech by Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, in the morning session for the first group.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager, APCD, made a welcome speech in the afternoon for the second group session and also concluded the program learning.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration, facilitated the learning program on the social model perspective on disabilities, demonstrating the experiences of individuals living with impairments.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Officer, Networking & Collaboration, facilitated the study tour on inclusive employment implemented and showcased by APCD 60+ Kitchen by CP and APCD 60+ Bakery and Café.

The students experienced the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments through blindfold games.

Dr. Sasikarn Chatvijit-Cook, Lecturer, Hospitality and Tourism Management Department, International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, emphasized the importance of direct experience at APCD on disability development and thanked the APCD team for sharing knowledge and organizing the study visit program.