Group photo between guest lecture, teacher and students.

Lecturer Mr. Kevin Cook, introduced the guest speaker with autism APCD to the students.

Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer, APCD introduced his life when he faced challenge from childhood through teenager.

Mr. Chayoot mentioned his college life and social change. The student was actively attending the session, focusing on social change. 

Mr. Chayoot mentioned that Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, believed he could do it. He also shared his work contribution.

The students asked questions and provided feedback. Mr. Chayoot distributed some gifts to student during the question-and-answer session.

Members of the Dao Ruang Group gather for a group photo after a successful fundraising event on the half day activity.

The members showcase their creativity by making and painting handicrafts during the fundraising event.

The members discussed future plans and activities during their monthly meeting.

APCD staff support the fund-raising activities to the Dao Ruang group.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Department Manager talked about the significant of DiDRR especially to ensure all vulnerable groups are safe and could participate on every stage of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

The Program had interviewed Mr. Somchai one week before the big earthquake (7.7 magnitude) struck in Myanmar and Thailand on 28 March 2025. This disaster has resulted big loss of life, injuries and widespread destruction.

APCD believes the knowledge, skills and application of DiDRR is one of the key approaches to ensure everyone will be safe in the community.  

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) conducted the first session of a comprehensive disability inclusion workshop at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok on Friday, marking a significant advancement in accessible hospitality initiatives in Thailand.

Our organization provided expert trainers to facilitate the "Basic Understanding of Persons with Disabilities" program, designed to equip the hotel's staff with the essential skills and knowledge needed to serve guests with various disabilities.

The training session, held at the five-star riverside property, was attended by staff members from various departments and received full support from Mr. Tim Tate, General Manager of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok.

"APCD is committed to creating more inclusive environments across the hospitality sector," said Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjitipun, one of our trainers with a disability who led the session. The Millennium Hilton Bangkok's willingness to engage in this training demonstrates its dedication to accessible hospitality.

The workshop focused on fundamental service principles, including our "Ask Me First" approach, communication guidelines for various disabilities, and proper assistance techniques. Practical exercises included simulation activities designed to provide firsthand experience of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

In addition to Nongnuch, the APCD training team included Mr. Sunthorn, another trainer with a disability, and Ms. Sirinan, a training assistant.

APCD has confirmed that a second training session will be scheduled soon to further capacity-building staff knowledge in this area. This ongoing partnership with the Millennium Hilton Bangkok represents a significant step forward in setting new standards for accessible luxury hospitality in Thailand.

APCD has been working throughout the Asia-Pacific region to promote disability inclusion, collaborating with various hospitality providers to improve accessibility standards.

Recent studies conducted by APCD indicate that hotels with comprehensive disability inclusion training show marked improvements in guest satisfaction scores and are better positioned to serve the growing market of travelers with disabilities.

The Millennium Hilton Bangkok’s initiative aligns with global hospitality trends focusing on inclusive service delivery and accessibility for all guests.

Bangkok, March 31, 2025 – The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) hosted a delegation from Brunei’s An-Nur Harapan on March 27, marking a step toward regional collaboration in disability-inclusive vocational training.

Led by Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD’s Executive Director, the meeting welcomed Ms. Melline Jaini, General Manager, and Ms. Nizzah Fa’izah Haji Suhaimi, Administration & Operations Manager, to discuss strategies for empowering persons with disabilities through skills development.

“This partnership aligns with our mission to foster inclusivity across the Asia-Pacific,” said Mr. Laismit. Vocational training is key to unlocking economic independence for marginalized communities.

The dialogue explored potential joint initiatives, with both organizations committing to further talks. APCD has previously partnered with ASEAN governments and NGOs to advance disability rights.

The Okura Prestige Bangkok reinforced its commitment to accessibility by hosting an enhanced "Basic Understanding for Customers and Staff with Disabilities" workshop on March 21, 2025. The day-long program was conducted by experts from the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD).

Under the leadership of Director of Human Resources Khun Oraya Temkasarp, twenty team members across all management levels participated in the comprehensive training that ran from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Trainers

The workshop featured guidance from specialized APCD trainers:

• Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, trainer with mobility disability
• Mr. Boonprasert, trainer with visual disability
• Ms. Sirinan Kongcharoen, training assistant

Program Focus

The APCD-designed curriculum covered several key areas:

• Advanced service protocols for guests with diverse abilities
• Innovative facility adaptation techniques
• Personalized interaction strategies
• Experiential learning through simulations
• Development of inclusive guest journey mapping

This collaboration between The Okura Prestige Bangkok and APCD demonstrates a shared commitment to Japanese "omotenashi" hospitality principles that prioritize every guest's dignity, representing a significant step toward setting new standards for accessible luxury hospitality in Thailand.