Group photo of all panelists and Youth Participants from the ASEAN Region
Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, APCD Networking & Collaboration Officer, gave tokens of appreciation to youth representatives.
Ms. Supaanong spoke about her life experience and shared recommendations
Ms. Supaanong took a photo with all panelists
Group photo of Vulcan Coalition and APCD staff.
APCD staff introduced themselves and discussed the objectives of the seminar visit with Vulcan Coalition staff during their first meeting
APCD staff learned how Vulcan Coalition conducts practical sessions to empower an audience of over 120 individuals with disabilities, focusing on a personal diagnostic test.
Another interesting session during the study visits focused on how AI creates productive work for employees with disabilities.
A group photo showing the project's working group along with the project advisory board members, comprising representatives from various organizations.
Key representatives from DEP, the Department of Employment, the Social Innovation Foundation, Disabilities Thailand, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities, and APCD discussed the main outlines of the policy paper.
The 1st Project Advisory Board meeting marked a significant step in implementing the project. The key discussions focused on ensuring multi-stakeholder collaboration for and promoting disability-inclusive employment and business.
A group of students from Thammasat University, including Foreign Lecturer Kevin Cook, Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, and APCD staff,
Mr. Piroon delivered welcome remarks.
Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking and Collaboration, discussed APCD’s initiatives promoting disability-inclusive development. His presentation emphasized human rights, social development, diversity, environmental sustainability, and empowerment.
The student observed the training program for Skills Development for Thai Persons with Disabilities Towards Inclusive Employment and Business Project for 2025.
The student observed the training program of APCD 60+ Bakery and Chocolate Café.
A group photo of students, a professor from the Prefectural University of Kumamoto, and staff from JICA Thailand and APCD.
Mr. Piroon Laismit, the Executive Director of APCD, gave welcome remarks and expressed his gratitude to the professors and the JICA Thailand office.
Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, the Chief of Networking and Collaboration at APCD, presented an overview of the APCD’s programs, focusing on key concepts such as empowerment and creating a barrier-free society to promote greater inclusion.
Ms. Hiroko Itako, a Japanese Cooperative Overseas Volunteer (JOCV) specializing in disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DiDRR), shared her firsthand experiences working in the field.
The students observed skill development training in action and witnessed the tangible impact of APCD's implementation, including the 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café and the 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP.
On behalf of the group, Professor Jeffery Morrow gave a sweet gift from Kumamoto Japan, as a token of appreciation to Mr. Piroon.
On 7 March 2025, Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), visited the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD). She was accompanied by Ms. Pawarisa Permbun, Project Coordinator of TICA, along with Mr. Ali Kerim, Senior Expert of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and Mr. Izzet Ahmet Bozbey, Senior Expert of TİKA.
Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, warmly welcomed the delegation and guided them on a comprehensive tour of the facilities. The visit focused on reviewing the progress of APCD's programs and examining the supportive equipment provided by TİKA, which has been instrumental in promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in society.
During the tour, Mr. Laismit showcased how TİKA's contributions have strengthened APCD's capacity to advance its mission of building a disability-inclusive, barrier-free society and enhancing social integration for persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.
The partnership between TICA, TİKA, and APCD exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and working toward a more inclusive society.
This was a review forum on “Strategic Plan and Action Plan 2025.” The topics included updating the situation, adjusting the plans, and looking forward to new opportunities.
Group photo of the Dulabhatorn Foundation’s staff and resource person, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, APCD at the Dulabhatorn Foundation office.
One of the engaging programs to promote income generation for young persons with disabilities is organic vegetable growing.
Photo of young persons with developmental disorder and organic vegetable garden.
The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), led by Executive Director Mr. Piroon Laismit, hosted a special meeting on March 12, 2025, to welcome Mr. Sakudo Shunsuke as the new Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office and to bid farewell to the outgoing Chief Representative, Mr. Suzuki Kazuya.
The meeting underscored the strong and enduring partnership between APCD and JICA, with discussions focusing on strengthening collaboration and advancing joint initiatives in the coming years. Mr. Sakudo, accompanied by Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, Program Officer at the JICA Thailand Office, visited APCD to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Key attendees from JICA included:
This leadership transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between APCD and JICA. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusive development and advancing disability rights across the Asia-Pacific region.
A groundbreaking partnership aimed at creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities was formalized. Four organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on expanding internship and job placements for individuals with disabilities.
The partnership brings together diverse stakeholders from various sectors:
The signing ceremony was held at APCD headquarters, where representatives from all four organizations gathered to formalize their commitment to disability employment.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. By combining our resources and expertise, we can address barriers to employment and create sustainable pathways to economic independence.
The initiative aims to develop specialized internship programs, provide workplace accommodations, and establish mentoring systems to support employees with disabilities. The partnership will also work with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices and workplace cultures.
According to recent statistics, people with disabilities in Thailand continue to face significant barriers to employment despite legal protections. This collaborative effort addresses the practical challenges of implementing inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodation.
About the Partners:
Able Prime Company Limited: A social enterprise dedicated to disability inclusion in the workplace. (MOU signed by Miss Nuchnapa Wongcharoensin)
Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD): A regional organization promoting an inclusive society for people with disabilities. (MOU signed by Mr. Piroon Laismit)
Go Luck Company Limited: The exclusive master franchise holder for Subway restaurants in Thailand. (MOU signed by Miss Petcharat Uthaisang)
PunThai Coffee Company Limited: A Thai coffee chain committed to corporate social responsibility. (MOU signed by Mrs. Sakhawasa Phuchatchawanichkul)
