APCD Community Development Manager was interviewed to share the knowledge and experiences about Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR).

The interview was focused on preparedness and protection of persons with disabilities towards disaster.

The Oh I See! program aims to raise awareness of Thai Society by dissemination on understanding of disability, rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the Thailand.

APCD Representative was Interviewed in Social Media Program “Oh I See!” on 12 May 2026, at APCD 

APCD Community Development Manager, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp was interviewed to share the knowledge and experiences about Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR), focusing on preparedness and protection of persons with disabilities towards disaster. The interview session was conducted by the social media program called “Oh I See!”. This program is supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS). The program aims to raise awareness of Thai Society by dissemination on understanding of disability as well as rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the Thailand.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen facilitated a DET (Disability Equality Training) session, helping participants gain accurate understanding and core knowledge of DIDRR.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp shared participants on DIDRR principles, DIDRR matrix tool and APCD practices, using exercises and gathering participant feedback.

Participants presented disaster preparedness strategies for people who live with physically impaired and hearing impairment using the DIDRR matrix tool.

Participants reflected on key takeaways and how they will apply DIDRR principles in their work.

APCD Resource Persons Strengthened Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction Training.

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) organized the 7th Training Course on Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction (GEDSI-DRR) from 26–29 May 2026 at the Pullman G Bangkok. 

On 27 May, APCD contributed to the course through two resource persons from Community Development Department (CDD). Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration, led a one-hour Disability Equality Training (DET) session for six participants from various organizations. Through interactive exercises, participants explored terminology around disability, impairment and barriers; analyzed videos; and engaged in self-discovery learning about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the social model of disability.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of CDD, facilitated a session on DIDRR fundamentals and APCD practices across Thailand, ASEAN and Asia-Pacific. Using the DIDRR matrix tool, participants analyzed how different types of disabilities require specific preparedness, response and recovery approaches to disaster types and process. Participants then presented their findings and shared feedback on sustainable DIDRR strategies. The course equipped policymakers and practitioners with practical tools to mainstream GEDSI into disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation efforts.

A group photo with Rhodes College and APCD, showcasing the souvenirs brought by the visitors.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, welcomed the group with his opening remarks.

Dr. Elin Ovrebo shared Introduction and purpose of visit.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking and Collaboration, gave a presentation on APCD’s key activities.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, facilitate the visitor for tour to 60+ Plus Bakery & Café and observed the "Skills Development for Persons with Disabilities" program, including the APCD 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP.

Mr. Watcharapol facilitated a demonstration of Dodgebee, a disability-inclusive sport (DIS).

Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit facilitated a team building games calls Samspel. 

Rhodes College study tour enhances learning on Health Equity and Mental Health at APCD.

On 25 May 2026, a group of students and faculty from Rhodes College, USA, visited the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) as part of their study tour in Thailand. This was Rhodes College’s third visit to APCD, following a successful tour by another group the prior year. The delegation was led by Professor Elin Ovrebo and coordinated by Ms. Suleewan Sinsanyanukulas, the liaison from Thailand.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, the Executive Director of APCD, welcomed the group with welcome remarks which were followed by a presentation on APCD’s main activities delivered by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking and Collaboration. The 13 participants, which included students, faculty, Professor and coordinators, took part in experiential learning activities. They visited the 60+ Plus Bakery & Café and observed the “Skills Development for Persons with Disabilities” program, including the APCD 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP, which assists in vocational training and employment for individuals with disabilities.

The Highlight of the visit is the Disability Inclusive Sport (DIS) Demonstration. This demonstration aims to promote health and social participation of & for persons with disabilities. The visit wrapped up with an engaging Q&A session, during which students inquired about disability-related policies and their implementation in the region. Professor Ovrebo expressed her heartfelt gratitude to APCD for hosting another enlightening and valuable visit.

The group photo of participants of the event.

The group photos of the invited speakers and key figures involved in the project

The group photos of the invited speakers including Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Mr. Todd Lavelle, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan and a representative from the Department of Mental Health.

The group photos of the invited speakers including Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan and a representative from the Department of Mental Health.

Participants attentively listening to the speakers.

 Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjttipun representative from APCD and a representative from the Department of Mental Health.

The group photo including Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjttipun.

APCD Joins Press Conference and Opening Ceremony of "Together as One Family" Project in Nonthaburi

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) was honored to be represented at the press conference and opening ceremony of the project "Together as One Family: หลายดวงใจ หนึ่งครอบครัวเดียวกัน", organized by the Northern Thailand Association for Persons with Mental Disabilities, on Monday, 26 May 2026, at Ballroom A, 5th Floor, Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel, Chaengwattana Road, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi.

APCD was represented by Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjttipun and Mr. Krittapol Chamrasromran, who attended on behalf of the Executive Director of APCD.

The event was graced by Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who emphasized that improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities must encompass education, occupation, welfare, and rights — while championing an "Inclusive Society" supported by technology, innovation, and both public and private sector employment. A representative from the Department of Mental Health also highlighted that mental health concerns everyone, and that family, community understanding, and reduction of stigma are key to enabling persons with psychosocial disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

Additionally, Mr. Todd Lavelle, an American artist and social activist, shared his belief that arts, music, and creative activities can serve as powerful bridges to reduce prejudice and shift society's perspective on persons with mental health conditions. Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, President of the Association for Persons with Mental Disabilities of Thailand and Northern Region, closed by calling on society to offer understanding, opportunity, and equal acceptance to persons with psychosocial disabilities and their families.

The project, supported by the Fund for Promotion and Development of Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities, aims to strengthen the capacity of persons with psychosocial disabilities and their caregivers through livelihood promotion and sustainable community networks.

The main project activities are scheduled for 19–21 June 2026 at Nong Jong Kham, Mae Hong Son Province, featuring capacity-building activities, cultural performances, inspirational programs, and multi-sector networking to build a society of lasting understanding and opportunity.

APCD reaffirms its commitment to inclusive and collaborative approaches in advancing the rights and quality of life of persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

H.E. Bhanubjatra Jittiang, Thailand representative to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Thailand delivered welcome remarks.

 APCD Representative attended and shared his insights as well as provided recommendations during the workshop, especially focusing on strengthening community and its networks in order to protect persons with disabilities.

Group Photo of Workshop participants and organizers. There were more than 50 persons participated in the event.

This workshop showed commitment among stakeholders on coping disability and trafficking in persons by strengthening regional and national cooperation, community and persons with disabilities.

APCD participated in Regional Workshop on “The Validation of the Zero Draft ASEAN Policy Brief on Disability and Trafficking in Persons”, on 7-8 May 2026, Manila, The Philippines.

APCD Representative attended the Regional Workshop on “Human Rights-Based Approaches to Address Intersectionality of Vulnerabilities in the Context of Trafficking in Persons-The Validation of the Zero Draft ASEAN Policy Brief on Disability and Trafficking in Persons”. 

The workshop aimed to validate of the Zero Draft ASEAN Policy Brief on Disability and Trafficking. The program was scheduled on 7-8 May 2026 in Manila, The Philippines. The workshop was co-organized by ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking and ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

H.E. Bhanubjatra Jittiang, Thailand representative to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Thailand delivered welcome remarks while the opening speeches were delivered by ASEAN high-level officials to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) and Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Philippines.

The workshop was begun by sharing the workshop objectives and agenda overview, then shared the overview of the zero draft policy brief. The participants also were divided in small groups in order to discuss, confirm and validate in details about regional and national recommendations, framing and policy coherence as well as further steps and timeline agreement.

This workshop showed commitment among stakeholders including government, civil society organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities regarding disability and trafficking in persons by strengthening regional and national collaboration, community and persons with disabilities.