Bangkok, Thailand — 24 April 2026

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) warmly welcomed a delegation of faculty members and second-year students from the Special Education major, Faculty of Education, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), on 24 April 2026 at the APCD Learning Center, Bangkok.

The visiting group comprised three lecturers — Dr. Jiraphat Sirirak, Dr. Aporn Sa-ard-iam, and Dr. Nawinda Upanan — accompanied by 26 second-year undergraduate students specializing in Special Education.

The study visit provided an enriching opportunity for the next generation of special education practitioners to gain firsthand knowledge of APCD's work in promoting the rights, inclusion, and full participation of persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. Participants engaged with APCD's core programmes, resource materials, and inclusive development approaches that align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the visit, students had the opportunity to learn about APCD's capacity-building initiatives, disability-inclusive development frameworks, and regional cooperation efforts that support governments, civil society organizations, and disabled persons' organizations (DPOs) throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Visiting delegation: Dr. Jiraphat Sirirak · Dr. Aporn Sa-ard-iam · Dr. Nawinda Upanan and 26 second-year students — Special Education Major, Faculty of Education, Srinakharinwirot University

APCD expressed its sincere appreciation to the Faculty of Education, Srinakharinwirot University, for fostering such meaningful academic linkages and looks forward to continued collaboration in building a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities in Thailand and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Bangkok, April 22, 2026 – Mr. Nikorn Soemklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, together with senior executives of the Ministry, paid an official visit to the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the APCD60+Plus Bakery & Café in Bangkok.

The visiting delegation comprised Mr. Kantaphong Rangsisawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS); Ms. Sonthaya Bunyaphusit, Director General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP); Ms. Siriporn Rojanasukanchan, Deputy Director General of DEP; and senior MSDHS executives.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, together with the APCD team, warmly welcomed Minister Nikorn and the entire delegation upon their arrival at the center.

A highlight of the visit was a hands-on baking session in which Minister Nikorn actively participated, receiving training directly from APCD staff members with disabilities. The activity beautifully showcased APCD's commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through practical vocational training and meaningful employment within the APCD60+Plus Bakery & Café Disability-Inclusive Business.

The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between MSDHS and APCD in advancing the rights, dignity, and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities in Thailand and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Bangkok, 22 April 2026 — Mr. KAMIESU Yuki, Investment Advisor and Director of the Investment Promotion Department as well as Director of the General Affairs Department, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Bangkok, visited to the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) on 22 April 2026.

During the visit, Mr. KAMIESU met with Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, and the APCD team to discuss potential areas of collaboration between JETRO and APCD. The meeting explored opportunities to strengthen ties between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region in supporting persons with disabilities through inclusive economic and vocational development.

Mr. KAMIESU also visited the APCD60+ vocational training projects and took a guided tour of the APCD facilities, gaining firsthand insight into APCD's disability-inclusive programs and initiatives.

APCD looks forward to building a meaningful partnership with JETRO Bangkok to advance inclusive development across the region.

The Asian and Pacific Centre on Disability (APCD) organized the “Disability-Inclusive Art” activity from 1–3 April 2026, aiming to create an inclusive learning space through art that is accessible to all, especially persons with disabilities, enabling them to develop their potential and express themselves creatively.

The activity focused on Contour Drawing and Creative Drawing techniques, which emphasize continuous observation and reducing control over outcomes. This approach encourages participants to enhance concentration, perception, and mindfulness, while fostering communication and social interaction through artistic expression.

Beyond artistic skill development, the activity also cultivated a shared learning environment where participants could exchange perspectives, experiences, and emotions through their creative processes. Such engagement plays a vital role in building confidence and promoting meaningful participation in society.

The program was led by two experienced lecturers: Mr. Thanawat Deesawat, Knowledge and Information Management Officer, and Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, Project Coordinator, who shared their expertise and insights on using art as a powerful tool for inclusive development.

This “Disability-Inclusive Art” activity reflects APCD’s ongoing commitment to promoting equal opportunities and accessibility, using art as a medium to enhance quality of life and foster a truly inclusive society for all.

We Rise Together: Advancing Gender-Responsive Procurement in the Mekong Subregion.

On 18 March 2026, Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, DIEB project coordinator, participated in the event ‘We Rise Together: Advancing Gender-Responsive Procurement in the Mekong Subregion at Pathumwan Princess hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. The event was organized by Social Enterprise Thailand (SE Thailand) and UN Women, which was funded by Australian government through the Mekong-Australia partnership. We Rise Together aims to promote gender-responsive procurement as a transformative level for women’s economic empowerment. The event covers diverse topics, including government procurement process, roles of SMEs in private sector procurement, supplier coed of conduct, and platform economy. The event also highlighted opportunities and challenges for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of access to funding and information to promote long-term inclusive business. Developing businesses through digital technology and innovation and E-commerce are also stated as ways to promote business. As the business sector is attempting to integrate ESG into their core strategies and operations, there has been a noticeable shift toward prioritizing the “S” (social) dimension, with increased attention to gender equality and the inclusion of vulnerable groups as key drivers of sustainable and equitable growth. Therefore, the event marks another significant step toward inclusive business among SMEs and social enterprises.