Representatives from Thammasat University, Bhutan and APCD posed for a group photo.

Thammasat University's Director of Social Policy & Development Programme welcomed Bhutanese and Thai delegates.

Ms. Kamolpun Punpuing, Section Head, Research Center on Assistive Technology and Medical Devices, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) also participated in this meeting.

APCD's Community Development Manager presented APCD's activities related to disability policies and laws in Thailand.

APCD's Networking & Collaboration Officer displays Thai decree on disability protection and empowerment.

They witnessed how APCD supports the skill development and social participation of Thai persons with disabilities through disability inclusive business.

They also interacted with Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol (in the middle of table sitting), a self-advocate with autism who works as a Networking and Collaboration Officer at APCD. She shared her personal experience and insights on promoting community-based inclusive development.

The visitors also observed the deafness communication space at APCD training center.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pakaratee Chaiyawat (middle) and Lect. Dr. Jenjira Thanakamchokchai (right) took a photo with Mr. Christopher Benjakul (left), the Public Relations Officer of APCD.

At the APCD Administrative building, Mr. Pitiphat Pitawanik delivered a captivating final presentation, covering his motivation for undertaking the internship, his goals, notable contributions, activities, and lessons learned, along with valuable suggestions.

In addition to his final presentation, Mr. Pitiphat had the privilege of displaying his internship poster, which prior to this was presented at Mahidol University International College.

During the three-month duration of the internship, Mr. Pitiphat and APCD benefited from each other, exchanging valuable knowledge, skills, and ideas that contributed to their mutual success.

Lastly, during the meeting, Executive Director Mr. Piroon Laismit provided invaluable insights and advice to the intern, expressing his gratitude for the intern's contribution to the program. He also expressed his desire to see more young individuals like Mr. Pitiphat actively participating in such programs.

Ms. Kanchana Ruangsiriwichayakul, the General Manager of Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana gave a welcome remark. The Centra team also gave a brief orientation.

Mr. Sonny Luu, Country Director of Peace Corps Thailand, welcomed the guests and introduced the speakers at the historic event.

Ms. Carol Spahn, Director of Peace Corps Headquarter, congratulated Peace Corps Thailand on its 60th anniversary and praises its achievements and impact.

Ambassador Robert F. Godec, U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand, administers the Peace Corps Pledge to the new volunteers of group 134 and introduces them to the Royal Thai Government.

Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), acknowledged the contributions of Peace Corps Thailand and presented the new volunteers to their partner agencies.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp and Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat from APCD attended the ceremony as representatives of the Community Development Department.

A group photo of the new volunteers and the participants at the swearing in ceremony and 60th anniversary commemoration of Peace Corps Thailand.

A Powerful Gathering of Global Changemakers: APCD Representatives Strike a Pose with Key Speakers, International Guests, and Event Organizers at the 2nd International Symposium Celebrating Social Work Month and World Social Work Day 2023

Global Leaders Unite for Human Security: Diverse Group of Social Workers, Educators, Government Officials, and NGO Personnel Gather at International Symposium to Share Knowledge and Experience on Development Practices. Thought Leaders, Decision Makers, and Media Attend to Highlight the Importance of "Human Security Is Global Security" Theme.

Mr. Somchai Rungslip presented the Third Country Training Program on Strengthening Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction in the ASEAN Region, emphasizing the importance of promoting an inclusive approach to disaster management, at a session on environmental sustainability for human and global security.

Within the session, Mr. Somchai not only explained the importance of including the perspective of persons with disabilities (PwDs) within disaster planning and management within the local and policy level, but also unveiled the APCD’s 3-year plan of strategy to ensure that PwDs within the ASEAN region are accounted for within all stages of any disaster.

Mr. Somchai demonstrated innovative equipment and shared insights on how to best assist people with disabilities during a disaster at the International Symposium celebrating Social Work Month and World Social Work Day 2023. Attendees were impressed with Mr. Somchai's vast experience in disaster management, and his presentation shed light on the critical role of social workers in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

The APCD team wrapped up their attendance at the insightful event hosted by the ATCSW with a group photo, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to participate. The team conveyed their gratitude to the ATCSW for organizing such an engaging and informative event, and eagerly looked forward to the next one. The APCD team also extended their best wishes to the ATCSW, wishing them all the success in their future endeavors.

The session started with a welcome remark by Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of Community Development Department, who introduced the Independent Living Philosophy and the collaboration between Thai independent living network and APCD in the past.

Mr. Udomchok Choorat, the chairperson of the Thailand Council for Independent Living (TCIL), gave an opening remark and encouraged all local Independent Living centers in Thailand to participate actively in the session.

The participants took a group photo with the DET Facilitators and APCD staff involved in the interactive session.

A feedback session where participants shared their understanding of disability and impairment and how they affect their lives.

Participants presented on the brainstorming outputs of diversity, equity and inclusion and how they relate to the rights of persons with disabilities in society.

The participants were divided into groups and asked to present their vision of an inclusive society for each group’s work.

The session concluded with a presentation on the difference between "impairments" and "disabilities" and how they are influenced by social and environmental barriers.

Opening speech by Ms. Pornnipa Masirirungsri, Deputy Director General of DEP, who highlighted the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to participate in the international labor market and society.

Group photo session with the Deputy DG of DEP, speakers, participants, and organizers

Group discussion on “Protection of Welfare Rights and Promotion of Entrepreneurship of Persons with Disabilities Abroad” by representatives from the Division of Protection and Supervision of Thai People Abroad, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; representatives from the Office of International Cooperation, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Labor; and Mr. Sawang Srisom, chairman of Transportation for All – T4A. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Nanthanuch Suwannavut, International Cooperation Department from DEP.

Brainstorming session on “Protection of welfare rights and the promotion of entrepreneurship for Thai people with disabilities living in oversea countries” by all participants, who shared their opinions and suggestions on how to improve the situation and support Thai people with disabilities living abroad and facilitated by Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay, Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Brainstorming session on “Protection of welfare rights and the promotion of entrepreneurship for Thai people with disabilities living in oversea countries” by all participants, who shared their opinions and suggestions on how to improve the situation and support Thai people with disabilities living abroad and facilitated by Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay, Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

APCD representatives’ session attendance by Ms. Siriporn Prasertchart, Logistics Officer, who are active for her involvement and expressed hope for future cooperation.

APCD speaker, Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, who lives with cerebral palsy, shares his commitment of social contribution for people with diversities.

Former Peace Corps volunteers Mr. Jim Lehman and Mr. Tony verified their stories and perspectives from serving in Thailand.

50 new US volunteers participate in interactive sessions on how to live and work with Thai people with diverse characteristics effectively and harmoniously in Thailand.

Discussions focus on building win-win friendships and contributing positively to the Thai society.