Participants and APCD staff gathered for a group photo in the multipurpose meeting room of the APCD Training Building at the start of the study visit.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, welcomed the participants and opened the learning program with introductory remarks.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen introduced APCD’s mission, major activities, and regional work to advance disability inclusion.

Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, DIEB Project Coordinator, explained how APCD strengthened capacity and promoted employment and business opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol guided the visit as participants observed employees with disabilities performing bakery production tasks and learned about inclusive workplace practices.

During the APCD office tour, Mr. Thanawat Deesawat, Information and Knowledge Management Officer, demonstrated the chocolate packaging design process to the participants.

Participants joined Ms. Thorfan for a group photograph after they purchased APCD chocolate and bakery products in support of inclusive workplace initiatives.

Mr. Samrit Anupak, Head of Community Development, Inclusion and Social Affairs at Central Group, shared the company’s good practices and perspectives on sustainable development and disability inclusion.

A participant from Indonesia exchanged perspectives and discussed practical approaches to disability-inclusive employment and business.

Participants observed a barista demonstration by an employee with autism at Centara Life Government Complex Hotel. He previously completed APCD skills-development training that supported his workplace preparation.

The employee with autism prepared beverages from his own recipes and demonstrated the skills and confidence he developed in the workplace.

Mr. Kanin Tangtermphong, General Manager of Centara Life Government Complex Hotel, outlined the hotel’s commitment and vision for advancing disability-inclusive employment and business.

Mr. Asdang Sukwises, General Manager of Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, presented the hotel’s initiatives and described its collaboration with APCD to expand internships and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Participants discussed the employment situation of persons with disabilities in Thailand and compared it with policies, experiences, and practices from their respective countries.

TCTP 2026 Field Study at APCD and experience a study case and good practice on DIEB by a Private Business Sector.

On 26 August 2026, morning, APCD welcomed participants of TCTP 2026 for a field study at APCD. The program introduced participants to APCD’s mission, work, and approaches to promoting disability inclusion and employment. Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by a presentation on APCD’s work and mission by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of the Networking and Collaboration, Community Development Department.

Participants also learned about the Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB) Project through a presentation by Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, DIEB Project Coordinator, highlighting APCD’s efforts to strengthen capacity and promote employment and business opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The field study included an APCD’s Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) Tour, with visits to the 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Café and the 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP (Charoen Pokphand Group), Thailand’s largest private company. Participants had the opportunity to observe practical examples of DIEB in action.

The program concluded with a knowledge exchange session, allowing participants to share reflections and lessons learned and exchange ideas on advancing DIEB in their respective countries. Through the field study, APCD continues to promote regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and inclusive and sustainable employment and business opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Asia and the Pacific.

In the afternoon, participants visited Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok, to learn good practices in DIEB. The hotel led by Mr. Kanin Tangtermphong, General Manager of Centara Life Government Complex Hotel, Mr. Asdang Sukwises, General Manager of Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, shared his experiences and practices in employing individuals with disabilities in the hotel industry. Mr. Samrit Anupak, Head of Community Development, Inclusion and Social Affairs, Central Group, also shared perspectives on sustainable development and disability inclusion.

Central Group is one of the largest and most powerful private commercial conglomerates in Thailand such as retail, real estate, hospitality, and digital lifestyle across Asia and Europe. Central Group’s approach to disability inclusion views employment under Sections 33 and 35 not merely as a legal obligation, but as a vital mission to build an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. The Group promotes inclusive employment through direct employment under Section 33 and supports self-reliance through space concessions, service contracts, and vocational support under Section 35.

Central Group also highlighted Good Goods, a contemporary craft brand under the “Central Tham” social enterprise, which creates local employment opportunities and reinvests its profits in community development while preserving Thai cultural heritage. Participants also had the opportunity to experience a barista demonstration by an employee with autism who is officially employed at Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre.

The study visits provided participants with practical insights into DIEB practices, while facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences on disability inclusion and sustainable development in Thailand.