On 19 May 2025 (Monday), 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 second 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 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.

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

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

Led by Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking and Collaboration Officer, the group visited the 60+ Plus Bakery & Café and observed the "Skills Development for Persons with Disabilities" program, including the APCD 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP.

Group photos of APCD Representative together with TICA Executives and Coordinator.

Lt. Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to TICA together with African delegation visited APCD Booth.

The African delegation interest APCD’s inclusive development activities for persons with disabilities.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking and Collaboration Officer and Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics, both Community Development Department, APCD took a shot with TICA staff, event organizer.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking and Collaboration at APCD, shares his journey with cerebral palsy (CP) and how he connects ASEAN disability networks through the Third Country Training Program (TCTP).

Mr. Watcharapol’s story proves that disability is not inability, it is simply a different path to contributing to human development.

Chief, Networking and Collaboration from APCD speaks on national television about empowering individuals with disabilities across Asia-Pacific countries.

Mr. Watcharapol’s individual smiling photo after the interview about showcasing the impact of networking and collaboration through regional disability development initiatives, based on lived experience.

Thailand Association of the Blind, Thai Blind People’s Foundation and Santi Chintana School for the Blind organized the inauguration ceremony of Monthian Monument at Santi Chintana School for the Blind on 2 May 2025, in Phrae Province, Thailand.

H.E. Chuan Leekpai, the 20^th Prime Minister of Thailand and former President of the National Assembly of Thailand, was the chairperson of this significant ceremony.

Mr. Khan Prachuabmoh, Committee member of APCD Foundation; Professor Wiriya Namsiripongpun, APCD Executive Board member; and Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director were invited to participated the ceremony.

Participants of the Disability Equality Training (DET), part of the Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business project, included organizers (APCD, DEP and ESACP) gathered for a group photo before the training began.

Ms. Yingluck Sribunruang, Director of the Promotion of Rights and Welfare for Persons with Disabilities Division, delivered the opening speech.

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer and DET facilitator, led the morning session.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration, joined as another DET facilitator in the morning session, following Ms. Siriporn and led the conclusion session in the afternoon.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer, took on the role of DET facilitator in the afternoon session.

A total of 45 participants took part in the event.

Interactive group activities and training exercises.

Action plan presentations and final feedback from participants.

Photos capturing active stakeholder feedback, comments, and recommendations during the conclusion session.

Ms. Prim Kaewpradub from DEP, facilitated the activity as MC as well as moderator.

Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut, Director of International Cooperation Section, Strategy and Plan Division, DEP, delivered the final speech before the closing.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager, Community Development, APCD provided an overview of the next steps and formally closed the event with a few concluding words.

Final group photo featuring participants with their DET completion certificates together with DET facilitators and project working group members.

A group photo featuring stakeholders and meeting organizers.

Ms. Cai Cai, Representative of ESCAP delivered a welcome remark.

Mr. Supol Borisut, Advisor to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), delivered an opening speech at the meeting.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager, APCD, reported an overview of the project on Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business including the project's objectives and goal.

There were more than 50 participants joined the meeting.

Group discussion and future recommendations.

Participants made feedback, comments and recommendation during the meeting discussion.

Photo of active MC, sign language Interpreters, Thai-English Interpreters, working group member during the meeting.

Group photo of participants and organizer after the closing.

Representatives of KOICA and APCD joined the youths with disabilities of DBF on art activities during the visiting of KOICA and APCD at DBF Office.

Observation of the Augmentative Alternative Communication with Cerebral palsy kids and their parents by KOICA and APCD representatives.

Meeting among KOICA, DBF and APCD for further collaboration on promotion of inclusive art program.

Group photo among meeting participants at DBF office

Group photo of attendees, resource persons and organizers from the third training session on 23 April 2025 which was the last session of the training day.

Participants discussing the exercise “Where is disability” from the perspective of the social model during the first DET training session on 20 March 2025.

Interactive activities on plan of action of participants during the second DET training session held on 3 April 2025.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Officer, Networking & Collaboration, APCD facilitated he training on 3 April 2025.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief, Networking & Collaboration from APCD facilitated the training on 20 March, 3 and 23 April.