The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) has joined forces with Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote cultural and economic exchange through a unique coffee initiative that simultaneously advances disability inclusion in the workforce.

The "Thai-Latin Coffee+ Plus Weeks," launched today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, brings together nine Latin American embassies and APCD's Buakeaw Brew café to celebrate premium coffee and inclusive employment. The event will run from March 10-21, 2025.

During the opening ceremony, APCD Executive Director Mr. Piroon Laismit addressed distinguished guests including Mrs. Siriluck Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ambassadors from participating Latin American countries.

"This event represents an important initiative to promote economic and cultural cooperation that strengthens relationships between Thailand and Latin American countries," said Mr. Laismit. "Coffee has long been a popular beverage worldwide, and Latin America is renowned as one of the world's best coffee-growing regions."

Buakeaw Brew by APCD, staffed entirely by persons with disabilities, has been selected to brew and sell coffees from Peru, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina throughout the event. This collaboration aligns with APCD's mission to empower persons with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities.

BANGKOK, March 3, 2025 - The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is set to launch a comprehensive training program to develop employable skills for persons with disabilities in the food and hospitality sector.

The "2025 Disability Skills Development for Employment Program: Food and Hospitality Sector" will run from March 5 to July 7, 2025, spanning 80 days of intensive training across three specialized tracks: hotel and hospitality services, Yamazaki bread making, and chocolate production and barista skills.

The program begins with a three-day orientation and selection process this Wednesday at the APCD headquarters in Bangkok. The orientation will feature an official opening ceremony on March 5, with APCD Director Mr. Piroon Laismit delivering a welcome address, followed by formal inauguration by Mr. Chokchai Wichienchaiya, the Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Leading hospitality groups including Hyatt Regency and Okura Prestige Hotel will conduct training for the hotel and services track, while Thai Yamazaki will lead the bread making specialization. The chocolate making and barista track will provide specialized training in coffee preparation and chocolate production techniques.

This program represents a significant opportunity for persons with disabilities to gain marketable skills in Thailand's vibrant food and hospitality sector. "By partnering with industry leaders, we're ensuring participants receive training that meets current market demands."

The orientation activities will include ice-breaking sessions, disability equality training, and introductions to potential career paths within each specialization. After the three-day orientation, selected participants will continue the training program through July 2025.

Group photo featuring all the honorable delegates and ambassadors for the day, along with representatives.

Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General; Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); and Ms. Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer at APCD, captured a key moment while observing the speech given by the UN Secretary-General.

On 4 March, A group photo of the Asia-Pacific session was taken, including participants, the DET facilitator, and organizers.

On 4 March, Mr. Ueda Daisuke, Deputy Director General of JICA’s Human Development Department, gave the opening remarks.

Mr. Fariz Abd Rani from Malaysia shared the overview of the Disability Equality Training (DET) in the Asia-Pacific session.

On 5 March, A group photo of the Africa and Middle East session was taken, including participants, DET facilitator, and organizers​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

On 5 March, Mr. Takahashi Yohei, Director of JICA’s Human Development Department, provided the opening remarks.

Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi from Jordan facilitated the development of an action plan with participants in the Africa and Middle East session.

A photo of DET facilitators and organizers.

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer at APCD, expertly facilitated both sessions, with the Community Development Department (CDD) team overseeing the technical operations.

Group Photo of Organizing Team, all the books and participants.

Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, APCD Staff with autism and Networking & Collaboration Officer, with readers from various Asia and Europe Countries.  

Group photo celebrating the MoU signing with key stakeholders.

Assoc. Prof. Sompop Prathanturarug, Ph.D., Vice President for Quality Development and Social Engagement, Mahidol University and Mr. Nirand Prawitana, CEO & Co-Founder, Vulcan Coalition officially signed the MOU for collaboration.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer, and Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer, APCD representative joined the event.

A group photo of Chandrakasem Rajabhat University bachelor degree students, their teacher, and external resource persons from the Social Innovation Foundation (SIF) and APCD.

Ms. Jinnarat Thiamariya, Consultant of SIF and Head of Inclusive Workplace (IW) Project, presented the opening remarks, introducing the Inclusive Workplace Project and addressing disabilities awareness.

The SIF team organized ice-breaking activities after each presentation.

Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer at APCD, and SIF Resource Persons initiated a panel discussion on disabilities.

Mr. Lim Puay Tek, Chairperson of ASEAN Disability Forum, delivered opening remarks on 14^th February.

APCD presented lesson learned on Disability-Inclusive Employment and Disability-Inclusive Business on 15^th February.

The last session, panel discussion on the topic: Driving Regional Change - Translating Global Disability Summit (GDS) commitments into actions. Key stakeholders of the region shared their insights for moving forwards.

The summit was hosted by ADF and IDA, which collaborated with KOICA, Inclusive Futures, UK aid, UNICEF, and German Cooperation. Mr. Chanon Kisorawong, APCD accountant officer attended the event.