A group photo of the working group members, including project staff and representatives from DEP and APCD.

 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, delivered inspiring opening remarks, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the collaboration and emphasizing the importance of achieving a meaningful and inclusive business model.

 

The meeting facilitated introductions among working group members, promoting a shared understanding of the project's purpose, scope, and expected outcomes. Key discussions were held on strategic implementation and sustainable impact.

Thirty young university leaders aged 20-25 participated in the panelist discussion.

 

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, APCD's Chief of Networking & Collaboration, shared his experiences with relationships among empowerment, barrier-free, and inclusion for young people.

 

Tokens presented by the organizers (Generation Thailand and the King Mongkut's University of Technology) to panelists.

This is a group photo of delegates from VAN with their completion certificates of the study tour posing with APCD staff on 19 February, the day the group visited APCD and received their certificates.

 

On 18 February, the delegates visited Piboonprachasan School, Bangkok, an inclusive school. They had a group photo of the special education teachers and staff. They explored capacity-building programs and inclusive classrooms for students with developmental disorders and autism and experienced and interacted with lively students who live with developmental disorders and autism. They enjoy visiting the school, one of the most famous schools in Thailand.

 

On 18 February, the delegates visited Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School (Secondary), Bangkok. They learned back group and inclusive curriculum development through the presentation by the management team and the teachers from the school. Some techniques provided for students with developmental disorders and autism make inclusive classrooms possible where students with and without disabilities can study together in math, English, and science. They also have separate classrooms for students who live with disabilities. The delegates appreciated the management team and the teachers and took a group photo together.  

 

On 19 February, the delegates visited and learned about the vocational training programs and mainstream classrooms for individuals with autism at the Center for Empowerment and Development of Autism Nonthaburi Province, which is part of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP).

 

The delegates visited APCD on 19 February. Mr. Piroon Laismit, the Executive Director of APCD, welcomed them and made welcome remarks.

 

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking, and Collaboration Officer, APCD, provided regional activities on disability development and their approaches, highlighting AAN activity in cooperation with VAN in the past. They also discussed with Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of the Community Development Department, given the family power of love.

 

The delegates continued the visit program by touring APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café and APCD 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP.

 

Ms. Pham Kim Tam, Chairperson of VAN, appreciated and presented Mr. Piroon Laismit and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp with a souvenir.

 

Ms. Pham Kim Tam, chairperson of VAN, and Mr. Piroon presented the completion certificate to a participant.

 

On 20 February 2025, the delegates visited the Autistic Thai Foundation (AU Thai), and the chairperson of AU Thai welcomed them, Mr. Chusak Junthayanond, who facilitated a lively presentation and discussion. Self-advocates with autism moderated the program, and the visitors toured AU Thai activities given autism and business inclusion. The delegates were impressed that people with autism at the center could generate income through their talents, contributing to sustainable development.

The member took a group photo before Baan Kaival Resort & Homestay.

 

Mr. Narongrite Wattanaiabphan, President of Dao Ruang Group, and Ms. Phacharin Sujaritwatanasak, Vice President, opened the discussion to review past activities and plan future endeavors. The members agreed to have a discussion gathering every three months.

 

The members posed for a group photo at Rayong Aquarium.

 

The members enjoyed a group picture beside the beach at Baan Kaival Resort.

 

The members visited and made merit at Phlong Sawai temple.

A group photo featuring a delegation from KONNO Corporation, Tokyo Medical Consulting Co., Ltd., and JICA Headquarters with APCD staff.

 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, expressed gratitude for the visitation.

 

Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, Executive Secretary to the Executive Director and Information & Knowledge Management Manager at APCD, recently had the opportunity to trial the driving assistant device, providing the survey team with valuable and informative feedback.

 

Mr. Hiroyoshi Konno, President of KONNO Corporation and representative of the group, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to APCD for their valuable cooperation in conducting the feasibility study.

Group Photo of Facilitators and Participants.

 

Opening Remarks by Mr. Jarrod Clyne, International Disability Alliance (IDA) Deputy Executive Director.

 

Mr. Abner Manlapaz, the training facilitator, delivered the training introduction.

 

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer APCD, presented the group work assignment during the training.

 

Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer APCD, presented an individual assignment during the training.

 

Accessibility Audit Activities outside the training venue.

 

After the training session, a small group photo of participants, including APCD staff.

 

 

Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok is set to launch a groundbreaking disability awareness training program on February 7, 2025. The initiative, designed to foster a more inclusive hospitality environment, will be conducted by the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD).

Training Leadership

The program will be led by experienced APCD trainers:

• Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun - Trainer with mobility disability
• Mr. Sunthorn - Trainer with visual disability
• Ms. Sirinan Kongcharoen - Training Assistant

Program Overview

The comprehensive full-day workshop, commencing at 9.00 AM under the guidance of General Manager Mr. Wuthisak Pichayagan, will engage 23 staff members in essential skills development for serving guests with disabilities and aging individuals.

Key Training Components

The program features hands-on training sessions focusing on:

• Practical room allocation and registration procedures
• Effective communication techniques
• Experiential learning through simulation exercises
• Use of assistive devices including wheelchairs, crutches, and specialized tools

Training Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Enhance understanding of diverse customer needs
• Strengthen international customer service capabilities
• Foster an inclusive workplace environment
• Improve staff interactions with persons with disabilities

Participating Staff Members

The training will include key personnel from various departments:

Management & Administration

• Chonthicha Seangprasert - Assistant Administrations Manager
• Suchanat Poolkaew - Assistant Safety & Hygiene Manager
• Bantita Chittaprapai - Quality & Hygiene Manager
• Chuechan Marpraneet - Operations Support Supervisor

Food & Beverage

• Papinwit Tomorn - Food and Beverage Manager
• Songwut Tamuang - Restaurant Captain
• Mintra Seethachuai - Restaurant Captain
• Nattawat Sangdara - Restaurant Manager
• Sompak Khontong - Restaurant Supervisor
• Wanchai Borthong - Restaurant Supervisor
• Vannachote Simmana - Waiter/Waitress

Hospitality Services

• Nopadol Boonpong - Assistant Chief Concierge
• Paweena Suktrakul - Assistant Manager
• Passaporn Lodvinit - Floor Supervisor
• Namfon Ardsalad - Floor Supervisor

Culinary

• Phaisan Thong-ou - Sous Chef
• Channarong Jaikham - Sous Chef

Support Services

• Nopmanee Saibua - Fitness Manager
• Nutpakal Nampunya - Training Coordinator
• Phanuwat Lasote - Assistant Sales Manager
• Pinnapa Sorhirun - Sales Coordinator
• Nawats Phanwarasiri - Security Manager
• Chaiwut Somsri - Security Supervisor

The program will conclude with a certificate award ceremony, marking a significant step in the hotel's commitment to inclusive hospitality services.

For additional information about the training program, interested parties may contact the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD).

 

 

 

The Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) delegation met with the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit! 

The TPQI delegation included Ms. Mali Chansunthorn, Director of the Certification and Assessment Office; Ms. Nawarat Wong-aroon, Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing Planning; Ms. Sasiwimon Boonkoh, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing Planning; Ms. Waritsara Choobanchong, Public Relations Officer, and Mr. Kritsada Pathong, Department Head.

We're working to create inclusive professional standards and opportunities for all!

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, received a group of visitors.

 

 

Ms. Hiroko Itako, APCD JOCVs on DiDRR, guided participants through APCD's Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) initiatives, including a visit to the APCD 60+ Kitchen by CP and 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café, which integrates disability inclusion into its operations.

A group photograph featuring visitor Mr. Toshiyuki Okui from Nogezaka Glocal and APCD staff.