APCD presents souvenirs to The Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities

Mr. Piroon Laismit and APCD staff visit the 20 Rai Organic Farm

APCD observes the artworks at the Father Ray School For Children with Special Needs

A student practices laptop repair during the class

The students practice electrical devices repairing during the class

A group photo in front of Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College For People with Disabilities

APCD observes the truck driver monitoring program at the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities

APCD Visited The Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities to Explore Vocational Training and Employment Opportunities

On 14 August 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), led by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, visited the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities to learn about its approaches to vocational training, employment, and support services for persons with disabilities.

The APCD delegation was welcomed by Dr. Suporntum Mongkolsawadi, Board of Directors and Secretary-General; Dr. Samrit Chapirom, Manager and Deputy Secretary-General; Mrs. Saijai Sakulwongthana, Career Development and Sustainability Manager; Mr. Songsak Reehung, Office Manager; and Mr. Manop Iamsaard, Social Enterprise Business Center Manager, of The Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities.

During the visit, APCD explored the Foundation’s various vocational training and employment initiatives, including vegetable cultivation and vocational training in computer assembly and repair, electrical equipment repair, design, and programming. The delegation also learned about employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in call center services and truck driver monitoring, which was designed to help prevent drowsy driving and reduce the risk of road accidents.

The delegation also learned about the Foundation’s provision of information on disability rights and employment opportunities through the NiNA 1479 platform. The platform served as an additional channel for persons with disabilities to access relevant information and employment opportunities.

The visit provided APCD with valuable insights into disability-inclusive approaches to vocational training and employment. It also facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences and provided an opportunity for APCD and the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities to explore potential areas for future collaboration.

Participants pose for a group photo with a donation banner

Ms. Khemruthai Asavanon, Director and Secretary of the Foundation (left), speaks while Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD (right), listens

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, speaks during the discussion

Ms. Khemruthai Asavanon, Director and Secretary of the Foundation, speaks during the discussion

Ms. Khemruthai Asavanon (right) and representatives from the Thai Credit For Society Foundation (left) listen to the discussion

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, guides the delegation through the APCD 60+ Plus Projects

A visually impaired worker from the APCD 60+ Plus Projects shares her experience with representatives from the Thai Credit For Society Foundation

Mr. Piroon Laismit and Ms. Khemruthai Asavanon (right) speak with employees from the APCD 60+ Plus Projects (left)

The representatives from the Thai Credit For Society Foundation select breads to purchase

Ms. Khemruthai Asavanon (right) and Ms. Kularb Gaysornsri (center) listen to Mr. Piroon Laismit (left)
 

Thai Credit For Society Foundation Visited APCD and Made a Donation to Support Disability-Inclusive Development

On 7 August 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed a delegation from the Thai Credit For Society Foundation, led by Ms. Khemruthai Asavanon, Director and Secretary of the Foundation, for a visit to learn about APCD’s work and initiatives in disability-inclusive development.

The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD. During the visit, both sides exchanged views on opportunities for future cooperation in promoting disability inclusion and advancing inclusive development.

On this occasion, the Thai Credit For Society Foundation made a donation of THB 50,000 to support APCD’s work in promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.

APCD expressed its sincere appreciation to the Thai Credit For Society Foundation for its generous support and looked forward to strengthening cooperation in support of a more inclusive society.

Participants pose for a group photo

Participants tour the site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

The docent provides information about the site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya to the participants

Participants tour the site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in wheelchairs

Participants in wheelchairs tour the site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya while the docent provides information, with a pagoda in the background

Participants pose for a group photo at a famous site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Participants in wheelchairs test an accessible ramp

Participants pose for a group photo

Mr. Krisana Lalai presents a universal design to Mr. Archawan Kongkanant, Deputy Executive Director, Central Region, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Participants pose for a group photo
 

APCD Participated in TAT’s “Friendly Design Tour: World Heritage City for All” in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

On 6 August 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) participated in the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s “Friendly Design Tour: World Heritage City for All” in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The initiative was led by Mr. Krisana Lalai, President of the Friendly Design for All Foundation, and aimed to promote understanding of Universal Design and accessible tourism through visits to key heritage attractions in the province.

The event was attended by Mr. Archawan Kongkanant, Deputy Executive Director, Central Region, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Mrs. Napapha Sangkasophon, Deputy Director, TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Office; Mrs. Puttiporn Ployphakwaen, Vice Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province; and Acting Sub-Lieutenant Santana Sripho, Provincial Social Development and Human Security Officer, Office of Provincial Social Development and Human Security, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

APCD was represented by Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, Manager, Information & Knowledge Management Officer; Mr. Thanawat Deesawat, Information & Knowledge Management Officer; and Mr. Krittapol Chamrasromran, Information & Knowledge Management Officer.

The study visits provided an opportunity for participants to explore examples of Universal Design and accessible tourism at significant heritage sites, highlighting approaches to making tourism destinations more inclusive and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

APCD was pleased to participate in the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing accessible tourism and inclusive development through collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp participated as a resource person of DBF activities to promote Family and Community-Based Inclusive Development. 

The activities were supported by the Safe Child Thailand (SCT). The project aims to enhance capacities of main stakeholders of DBF in order to support the development of quality of life of children with developmental disorder in Chiang Mai.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp as one of resource persons facilitated in the training for community leaders on 30-31 July 2026. The training’s purpose was to raise awareness for community people to understand about disability and persons with disabilities.

The first local coordinating mechanism has been established through the rehabilitation service providers meeting facilitated by DBF Team and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp. This meeting was conducted at DBF office on 1 August 2026. 
 

APCD collaborated with Dulabhatorn Foundation (DBF) to promote Family and Community-Based Inclusive Development on 30 July-1 August 2026 in Chiang Mai.

APCD Representative, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager, participated as a resource person of DBF activities to promote Family and Community-Based Inclusive Development.

The activities were implemented under the Safe Child Thailand (SCT) supported project which aims to enhance the capacity of key stakeholders of DBF in order to support and improve the of quality of life of children with developmental disorders in Chiang Mai.

The project’s stakeholders include parents of children with disabilities, community leaders, rehabilitation service providers in various areas.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp as one of the resource persons along with local resource persons, facilitated the training for community leaders on 30-31 July 2026. The training’s purpose was to raise awareness among community members to better understand disability and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the training was also expected to gain more support from community members for DBF activities, especially on promoting disability rights at community level. 

DBF team members along with Mr. Somchai Rungsilp facilitated in another important meeting to establish local coordinating mechanism. The meeting was participated by rehabilitation service providers in Sansai District, Chiang Mai on 1 August 2026. This is the first time that the local coordinating mechanism has been established by DBF and will play significant role as a platform to support on rehabilitation services for children with disabilities in Sansai District, Chiang Mai.  

APCD has a strong belief that this initiative by the DBF project supported by SCT will make a sustainable movement to promote a better life for children with disabilities and their families in Chiang Mai. 

APCD staff facilitated the exhibition booth during the event. The highlight information was to promote the Disability Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB) Project, and other APCD approaches to promote the Empowerment of persons with Disabilities. 

With the strong support and encouragement of APCD Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director, APCD staff enthusiastically facilitated the booth and warmly welcomed visitors throughout the event.

Mr. Shunsuke Sakudo, Chief Representative of the JICA Thailand Office, visited the APCD booth together with Mr. Piroon Laismit, where they engaged in discussions on APCD's initiatives and activities.

H.E. Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, TICA Director-General; and Lieutenant Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to TICA, officially visited APCD booth.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol was interviewed about APCD's working approaches and implementation activities.

Vietnamese students visited the APCD booth and exchanged information about the Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB) Project. They also took a cute group photo with APCD staff while wearing their traditional attire.

Group Photo of Distinguished Guests, Participants and organizers at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th TICA Connect, held under the theme “Promoting an Inclusive and Sustainable Future through South-South and Triangular Cooperation”, organized by TICA.
 

APCD at 11th TICA Connect 2026: For Inclusive and Sustainable Future through South – South and Triangular Cooperation”  

On 24 July 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) actively organized an information exhibition at the 11th TICA Connect under the theme “Promoting an Inclusive and Sustainable Future through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.” APCD showcased its regional mission and key initiatives through an interactive exhibition booth.

The APCD staff team, including Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer; Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer; Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, Project Coordinator, Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business Project; and Ms. Isabella Gacono, Student Intern, facilitated the booth and introduced visitors to APCD’s core initiatives in disability-inclusive development and its approaches to advancing inclusion.

The exhibition highlighted information on the Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB) Project, as well as other APCD approaches aimed at promoting the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Throughout the day, staff engaged directly with guests by raising awareness about ongoing projects and promoting inclusive community practices. The team held meaningful discussions with representatives from the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and welcomed guest students, providing them with an encouraging and educational look into APCD’s impactful work. 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD; Ms. Isabella Gacono; and APCD staff pose for photo with a certificate of completion.

Ms. Isabella Gacono, APCD's intern, presented a final internship program presentation on disability empowerment in public health/healthcare.

Mr. Krittapol Chamrasromran, Information & Knowledge Management Officer, APCD, actively shared his knowledge and experiences during the question-and-answer and feedback session.

Mr. Piroon Laismit provided a farewell speech at a final internship program presentation.
 

APCD Final Intern Presentation 2026: Disability Empowerment in Public Health and Healthcare.

On 24 July 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) hosted a final intern presentation session to highlight the key achievements and learnings of APCD’s intern. During the session, APCD intern Ms. Isabella Gacono delivered a presentation focusing on disability empowerment within the public health and healthcare sectors. The event provided a valuable platform for the intern to present research, share practical insights, and address barriers which persons with disabilities often face in medical settings.

Supported by APCD staff, the presentation sparked meaningful discussions on how healthcare organizations and policymakers can improve the integration of inclusive practices into public health frameworks. Following the presentation and discussion, the event concluded with the intern being awarded an internship completion certificate in recognition of her dedication and contributions to APCD's mission and advancing disability-inclusive practices in public health.

Mr. Piroon Laismit (center) and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp (right) pose for a group photo with the representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp (left) give information about APCD’s training building to the representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club

Mr. Piroon Laismit (center) gives information about APCD’s training building to the representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club

Mr. Thaevan Uthaivath (center) and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp (right) pose for a group photo with the representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club

Ms. Wilailekha Somprach (center) gives information about the APCD 60+ Plus Project to the representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club

The representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club tour the APCD 60+ Plus Project

Participants pose for a group photo

A photo of participants during the discussion

A photo of participants during the discussion

The representatives from APCD and the representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club pose for a group photo
 

Thailand Professional Director Club (TPDC) Visited APCD to Discuss Future Collaboration

On 6 July 2026, representatives from the Thailand Professional Director Club (TPDC) visited the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) to learn about APCD’s work and discuss opportunities for future collaboration in promoting disability-inclusive development.

The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, who introduced APCD’s mission, key programs, and ongoing initiatives in promoting disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region.

During the meeting, both organizations exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen partnerships in support of disability inclusion, capacity development, and the expansion of opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to establish closer relations and explore future collaboration in advancing an inclusive society through cross-sector partnership and shared commitment to disability-inclusive development.

From left to right, Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen, Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou, Mr. Peter Lan, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (front, seated in a wheelchair)

The representatives from APCD (right) discuss with the delegation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (left)

From left to right, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp listen to the discussion

From left to right, Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen, Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou, and Mr. Peter Lan listen to the discussion

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) receives a souvenir from Mr. Peter Lan (left) as a token of gratitude

Ms. Wilailekha Somprach (right) gives information about APCD 60+ Plus Projects to Mr. Peter Lan (center) and Mr. Piroon Laismit (left)

Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (left, seated in a wheelchair) and Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou (right) laugh during the conversation

Mr. Piroon Laismit (left) gives a souvenir to Mr. Peter Lan (right) as a token of gratitude

Mr. Piroon Laismit (left) gives a souvenir to Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou (right) as a token of gratitude

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) gives a souvenir to Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen (left) as a token of gratitude
 

Taiwan's TECO Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to APCD to Strengthen Partnership on Disability Inclusion

Bangkok, Thailand – On 23 July 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), welcomed a delegation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (TECO) to APCD's office.

The delegation was led by Mr. Peter Lan, Representative of TECO, together with Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou, Director of the Political Division, and Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen, Secretary of the Political Division. The visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two organizations and exploring future collaboration in promoting disability-inclusive development.

During the visit, Mr. Piroon held discussions with the delegation on potential areas of cooperation, while also sharing APCD's work and vision for advancing an inclusive society for persons with disabilities. The delegation was also given a tour of APCD's facilities, including the APCD 60+ Plus project.

APCD representatives who joined the meeting included Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of the Community Development Department; Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, Manager of Information & Knowledge Management; and Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Manager of the APCD 60+ Plus Projects. They provided an overview of APCD's initiatives in community development, vocational training, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

APCD expressed its appreciation for the visit and stated that it looks forward to strengthening future collaboration with TECO in advancing an inclusive society for persons with disabilities.

Ms. Paninee Suksaard, Plan and Policy Analyst from Division of Fund and Equality Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), answers a question while the panelists listen

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, answers a question while the panelists listen

Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, President of AMIT, answers a question while the panelists listen

Ms. Paninee Suksaard, Plan and Policy Analyst from Division of Fund and Equality Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), answers a question while the panelists listen

Mr. Boonsri Chakkhluan, Representative of persons with disabilities, answers a question while the panelists listen

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, answers a question while the panelists listen

A male participant asks the panelists a question 

A female participant asks the panelists a question 

A female participant asks the panelists a question 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, answers a question while the panelists listen
 

APCD Participated in a Panel Discussion on Ability-Based Employment at AMIT’s Heart & Hand: Life Skills Center

On 22 July 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), participated as a panelist at the Heart & Hand: Life Skills Center – A Creative Space for Sharing, Encouragement, and Life Skills Development for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities, organized by the Association for the Mentally Ill of Thailand (AMIT) at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan.

During the session, Mr. Piroon Laismit delivered a presentation on “Looking Beyond Disability and Focusing on the Real Working Skills of Persons with Disabilities (Ability- and Potential-Based Employment)”, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the abilities and potential of persons with disabilities in promoting inclusive employment.

The session also featured Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, President of AMIT; Ms. Paninee Suksaard, Plan and Policy Analyst, Division of Fund and Equality Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; and Mr. Boonsri Chakkhluan, Representative of Persons with Disabilities, who shared their perspectives on disability-inclusive employment.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to exchange views on promoting inclusive employment and reinforced the importance of collaboration among relevant stakeholders in expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left), Mr. Piroon Laismit (right), and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (front left, seated in a wheelchair)

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) presents souvenirs to Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left) as a token of gratitude

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, listens to the discussion

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat member and secretary of Friends in Need (of "PA") Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross listens to the discussion

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left) speaks with Mr. Piroon Laismit (right)

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left) speaks with Mr. Piroon Laismit (right)

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, poses for a photo
 

APCD Visited the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross to Discuss Future Collaboration

On 21 July 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, visited the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross for a courtesy meeting to discuss future collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the two organizations.

Mr. Piroon Laismit was welcomed by Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Member and Secretary of the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross.

During the meeting, both organizations exchanged views on future cooperation and discussed opportunities to collaborate in promoting disability-inclusive development and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities through joint initiatives.

APCD expressed its appreciation to the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross for the opportunity to exchange views and discuss future collaboration and looked forward to strengthening the partnership in support of disability-inclusive development.