The Dulabhatorn Foundation’s staff actively participated in reviewing the Strategic and Action Plan 2025. The session aimed to assess and identify the strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned from the program.

Group photo of the Dulabhatorn Foundation’s staff and resource person Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager, Community Development Department, APCD. (A second person from the left-hand side) at the Dulabhatorn Foundation office.

Group physical activities for all children with special needs are conducted by the teacher team of the Dulabhatorn Foundation every Saturday.

A group photo featuring participants, organizers, panelists, and moderators.

Ms. Robinah Alambuya delivered a welcome remark at the opening program.

Ms. Yeni Rosanna Damayanti, Vice President of TCI Global, launched TCI Women Team.

Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, APCD Networking & Collaboration emphasizes the importance of capacity building of persons with psychosocial disability.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, APCD Community Development Manager emphasized the importance of Networking & Collaboration.

Students and teachers captured a memorable moment with APCD staff and JICA Thailand Office.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, extended a warm welcome to the visitors.

Mr. Kazuya Suzuki, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand Office, warmly welcomed the visitors.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, APCD Chief of Networking and Collaboration, provided an insightful overview of the center's regional activities.

Ms. Hiroko Itako, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) assigned to APCD, shared her enriching experiences.

The students explored the 60+ Plus Bakery & Café and the APCD 60+ Plus Kitchen, supported by CP.

The students conveyed their heartfelt gratitude with handmade souvenirs to APCD for the opportunity to participate in such an informative visitation program.

A group photo was taken with the delegates from NDC67 Tiger Team and APCD

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, made a welcome remark and emphasized the importance of Disability-Inclusive Development to delegates

Dr. Seree Nonthasoot, Chairperson of the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand led the discussion on collaboration between NDC67 and APCD towards the rights realization of persons with disabilities in Thailand.

The Tiger Troop delegation explored the APCD projects and learned concept and operational facts of 60+ Plus Project

Group Photo of Organizing Team and all onsite Resource Person.

Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, APCD Staff with Autism and Networking & Collaboration Officer, shared her experience and recommendations on UNDIS Implementation.  

Somchai Rungsilp led the session, showcasing the DiDRR matrix. He explained the relationships among types of impairments and the stages of disasters.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen conducted Disability Equality Training or DET in short. He handed the microphone to a participant, encouraging her to share her thoughts on disability inclusion.

Ms. Hiroko Itako demonstrated mini-exercises on disability inclusion and disaster risk reduction. She encouraged participants to identify and overcome barriers in Japan and Thailand.

Mr. Somchai and Mr. Watcharapol showcased DiDRR materials. They demonstrated how to use each material during different disaster scenarios.

Group photo of more than a hundred participants included business sectors, companies, speakers, organizers, and persons with disabilities at the opening ceremony.

The collaborative and supportive group photo between the organizers, government sectors, private business sectors, and representative persons with disabilities.

Overall, the view of persons with disabilities was consulting, looking for a job, and having an interview with the company.

Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer, APCD volunteered to assist and accommodate persons with disabilities during the event.

4 November 2024 - Executive Director Piroon Laismit, accompanied by the APCD team, paid a courtesy visit to Director-General  Chokchai Wichienchaiya of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The constructive dialogue focused on strengthening organizational ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

During the meeting, both leaders engaged in meaningful discussions about empowering persons with disabilities through comprehensive capacity-building programs and initiatives to strengthen their talents. The conversation highlighted shared commitments to promoting inclusive, barrier-free environments that enhance social and economic inclusion, ultimately contributing to the well-being of persons with disabilities.

This strategic engagement between APCD and DEP marks another significant step in their shared vision of creating an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive. Both organizations look forward to implementing collaborative projects to benefit the disability community throughout Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting emphasized the ongoing dedication of both organizations to fostering partnerships that create meaningful impact on disability rights, empowerment, and Disability-inclusive development.
 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), and APCD team participated in a commemorative event celebrating 70 years of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) with Thailand. Held at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok, the seminar, titled Japan’s ODA 70th Anniversary Seminar: Creating Tomorrow Together, highlighted decades of cooperation and explored future pathways for Thai-Japanese collaboration.

The event began with opening remarks from H.E. Mr. Masato Otaka, Japan’s Ambassador to Thailand, and Ms. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). H.E. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Special Advisor to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations and Japan's enduring support for Thailand’s sustainable development.

Throughout the morning, panel discussions addressed the evolution of Japan’s ODA efforts, focusing on pressing issues such as renewable energy, sustainable development, and inclusive social programs. The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Kazuya Suzuki, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand Office, who affirmed the importance of a shared vision for a sustainable future.

BANGKOK, November 1, 2024 — The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Mr. Piroon Laismit, the Executive Director welcomes Ms. Jun Youngsuk, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). This visit focuses on the ongoing collaboration among the three agencies to further their shared development goals.

The delegation engaged in discussions about future collaborations during a meeting with APCD’s Executive Director. They also toured the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Café, an initiative aimed at empowering persons with disabilities through vocational skills development and APCD's accessible facilities.

This  is another step in strengthening the partnership between KOICA, TICA and APCD, emphasizing their dedication to projects that promote societal inclusion and mutual benefit.

Delegation Details
KOICA
Ms. Youngsuk Jun, Country Director
Ms. Soohyun Park, Program Manager
Mr. Chuanphot Thinphovong, Program Officer
TICA
Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General
Mr. Sinpira Nakchamrassri, Development Cooperation Officer (Practitioner Level)