Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, facilitated the first half of DET course.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol emphasized the principle and core facts about UNCRPD.

Participants engaged in participatory workshop through the session.

APCD Delivered Disability Equality Training (DET) for DEP Workshop on UNCRPD.
On 14 September 2026, APCD, in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), delivered a Disability Equality Training (DET) session as part of CRPD Workshop organized by DEP was held from 14-17 September 2026. The workshop brought together 45 participants from various government sectors to strengthen their foundational understanding of the UNCRPD and link it to their organizational missions.

The first part of session led by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration. Mr. Watcharapol had facilitated discussions, video analysis, and exercises that identified disability-related barriers and inclusive solutions. On the second part of session, Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer, emphasized the principle and core facts about UNCRPD by identifying differences between Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation. The course ended with closing words and summary from Mr. Watcharapol. APCD reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive collaboration through DET course with DEP and other partners.

Group Photo of meeting delegates, including Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol (Sixth person from the rightest, back row)

Ms. Supaanong gave her perspective on the actual situation of persons with Autism and Temple Engagement.

Group Photo of all delegates from Foundation for Children with Disabilities (FCD) and the Bangkok Persons with Disabilities Community network, APCD and Subcommittee member staff.

Advocating Disability Access to Religious Sites and Media at Parliament

On 18 August 2026, Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, APCD Networking & Collaboration Officer and self-advocate with autism, collaborated with the Foundation for Children with Disabilities (FCD) and the Bangkok Persons with Disabilities Community network at the Parliament Building. Attending the 27th meeting of the Senate Subcommittee on Religion, Morality, and Ethics, chaired by Asst. Prof. Warawut Tiranant, the session addressed a study on obstacles and guidelines for improving disability access to religious sites, media, and activities in Thailand.

Bringing together disability advocates, leaders across five major religions, key government agencies, and public relations bodies, the dialogue focused on physical accessibility, inclusive media development, and training specialized personnel. The subcommittee and participating organizations unanimously approved the project in principle, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring equal, fair, and dignified access to religious spaces and spiritual life for persons with disabilities.

Participants pose for a photo after the bread making session.

Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Manager of 60+ Plus Project and Ms. Maria Concepcion Macabales, Residence Manager engaging in a conversation in front of Bakery Room.

Participants knead a dough with trainers with disabilities.

Participants pose for a photo with the doughs before put it in the oven.

Group photo of the Ascott Thonglor Bangkok team, APCD team, and The Bangkok School for the Blind team holding freshly baked bread donated to the school.

APCD Hosted Bakery Workshop and Bread Donation Activity with Ascott Thonglor Bangkok

On 23 September 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed a team from Ascott Thonglor Bangkok, led by Ms. Maria Concepcion Macabales, Residence Manager, to participate in a bakery workshop organized by the APCD 60+ Plus Project.

The workshop provided the hotel team with an opportunity to learn about bakery production, exchange experiences, and participate in hands-on baking activities in an inclusive environment. The activity also promoted disability inclusion, social participation, and recognition of the skills and potential of persons with disabilities.

Following the workshop, the freshly baked bread was donated to the Bangkok School for the Blind, extending support to students and the school community.

APCD appreciated the participation and contribution of the Ascott Thonglor Bangkok team to the activity, which supported opportunities for learning, social engagement, and disability-inclusive participation.

Group photo after the Committee on Social Welfare visits the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery.

Group photo of the Committee on Social Welfare and APCD in front of the APCD building, with the APCD sign visible.

Mr. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, First Vice-Chairperson of Committee on Social Welfare, delivers opening remarks at the meeting.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, delivers welcoming remarks to the Committee on Social Welfare.

The Committee on Social Welfare listens to Mr. Piroon Laismit as he delivers welcoming remarks.

Group photo of Mr. Piroon Laismit and the Committee on Social Welfare after the meeting.

Mr. Piroon Laismit leads the Committee on Social Welfare on a visit to the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery.

The Committee on Social Welfare listens to a chef as he introduces APCD 60+ Plus Bakery.

The Committee on Social Welfare Held a Meeting at APCD

On 22 September 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), welcomed the Committee on Social Welfare, led by Mr. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, First Vice-Chairperson, to APCD, where the Committee held its meeting.

The meeting focused on discussing approaches to strengthening the social work profession and addressing issues concerning vulnerable groups.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery to learn about the project, its activities, and its role in promoting vocational skills and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

APCD was pleased to provide its facilities for the Committee on Social Welfare’s meeting and to share information about its work and initiatives in promoting disability-inclusive development.

Thai Life Insurance presents a donation of THB 146,145 to APCD in support of its work and activities promoting disability-inclusive development.

Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Manager of APCD 60+ Plus Projects, introduces the APCD 60+ Plus projects to the delegation from Thai Life Insurance.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, provides information about the mission of APCD to the delegation from Thai Life Insurance.

Ms. Thitima Liangpanich, Senior Vice President of Communications and Corporate Sustainability Group, and Ms. Varabhorn Leekulnimit, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability Department, listen to Mr. Piroon Laismit as he explains the mission of APCD.

Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Manager of APCD 60+ Plus Projects, listen to Mr. Piroon Laismit as he explains the mission of APCD.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, introduces the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery to the delegation from Thai Life Insurance.

Thai Life Insurance Presented a Donation to APCD in Support of Disability-Inclusive Development

On 21 September 2026, Thai Life Insurance visited the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and presented a donation of THB 146,145 to APCD in support of its work and activities promoting disability-inclusive development.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, welcomed the delegation from Thai Life Insurance, which included Ms. Thitima Liangpanich, Senior Vice President of Communications and Corporate Sustainability Group, and Ms. Varabhorn Leekulnimit, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability Department.

During the visit, Thai Life Insurance presented the donation to APCD as part of its support for APCD’s work in promoting opportunities and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

The visit provided an opportunity for APCD and Thai Life Insurance to exchange information and strengthen cooperation in support of disability-inclusive development and the promotion of opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Participants, senior DET facilitators, and representatives of JICA and APCD posed for an on-screen group photograph before the online training began.

Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Deputy Director General and Group Director for Higher Education and Social Security in JICA’s Human Development Department, welcomed participants, delivered the opening remarks, and emphasized the importance of disability inclusion.

Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi, Senior DET Facilitator, led interactive group-chat activities and discussions on disability inclusion.

Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi asked participants to identify disability-related barriers by comparing a wheelchair user in a standalone setting with one who encountered stairs at a toy shop entrance.

Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator from Malaysia, facilitated questions, answers, and participant reflections.

Ms. Siriporn Prasertchart, APCD moderated the online course.
 

APCD conducted 2026 Online Disability Equality Training (DET) for JICA National Staff.

On 17 September 2026, APCD in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted the 2026 online Disability Equality Training (DET) course for JICA national staff in Africa and Central and Eastern Europe. The course strengthened participants’ knowledge and capacity to promote disability inclusion across JICA workplaces, programs, and operations. Twenty-two participants from the target regions joined the course. Ms. Siriporn Prasertchart, Logistics Officer at APCD, introduced the course. Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Deputy Director General and Group Director for Higher Education and Social Security in JICA’s Human Development Department, welcomed participants and delivered the opening remarks.

Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi, Senior DET Facilitator, led interactive group-chat activities, discussions, video analysis, and exercises that identified disability-related barriers and inclusive solutions. Participants considered actions that made JICA offices more inclusive. Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator, then led the question-and-answer and reflection session. The course ended with closing words and an evaluation. Participants provided feedback for future training and gained a stronger understanding of practical approaches to disability inclusion. APCD reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive collaboration with JICA and other partners.

Participants pose for a group photo after the session.

APCD Expresses Appreciation to Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana for Supporting the Successful Completion of TCTP 2026

APCD staff led by Mr. Piroon Laismit present a souvenir to Mr. Vorayut Kijkool, Founder of Siam Nissin Co., Ltd. as a token of gratitude. 

Mr. Vorayut Kijkool shares his challenges in running a business as an entrepreneur with a disability with APCD staff.

Mr. Vorayut Kijkool explains the business of Siam Nissin Co., Ltd. to Mr. Piroon Laismit.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD and Mr. Vorayut Kijkool, Founder of Siam Nissin Co., Ltd., observe wheelchair products imported by the Siam Nissin Co., Ltd.

Mrs. Tanya Kiriya and Mr. Widsanu Sitthiret, Sales and Marketing Executive, share their roles, responsibilities, and working experiences at Siam Nissin Co., Ltd.
 

APCD Visited Siam Nissin Co., Ltd. to Learn About Disability-Inclusive Business and Employment

On 16 September 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, led a visit to Siam Nissin Co., Ltd. to learn about a business established and operated by a person with a disability, as well as the employment and working experiences of persons with disabilities.

During the visit, APCD met with Mr. Vorayut Kijkool, Founder of Siam Nissin Co., Ltd., who shared his experience in establishing and operating the company as an entrepreneur with a disability.

APCD also met with Mrs. Tanya Kiriya and Mr. Widsanu Sitthiret, Sales and Marketing Executives, to learn about their roles, responsibilities, and working experiences at Siam Nissin Co., Ltd.

The visit provided an opportunity for APCD to exchange information and perspectives on disability, business, employment, and the participation of persons with disabilities in the workplace.

The visit provided valuable insights into disability-inclusive business and employment, as well as the experiences and opportunities of persons with disabilities in the workplace.

Group photo of APCD Executive Board members after the meeting.

Dr. Tej Bunnag, President of the APCD Foundation and Chairman of the APCD Executive Board, listens to a presentation by the Disability-Inclusive Business Department.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, invites Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of the Community Development Department, to give a presentation.

Mr. Shunsuke Sakudo, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand Office, gives feedback following the presentation by the Community Development Department.

Ms. Chidchanok Malayawong, Director of the Development Promotion and Coordination Division, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), gives feedback following the presentation by the Community Development Department.

Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay, Chairperson of ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF), provides feedback on the media content following the presentation by the Information and Knowledge Management Department.

Dr. Samrit Chapirom, Manager and Deputy Secretary-General of Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities, listens to a presentation by the Information and Knowledge Management Department.

Prof. Wiriya Namsiriphongphan, Honorary President of Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities, and Mr. Thevapong Puangphet, Treasurer of Thailand Association of the Blind, listens to a presentation by the Administrative Department.

APCD Executive Board members during a presentation by the Administrative Department.

APCD Executive Board Meeting Reviews the Center’s Operations and Progress

On 15 September 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) held a meeting of the APCD Executive Board to review the Center’s ongoing operations, activities, and progress in promoting inclusive development and the participation of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Tej Bunnag, President of the APCD Foundation and Chairman of the APCD Executive Board.

APCD Executive Board Members

1. Dr. Tej Bunnag – Secretary-General, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok / President, APCD Foundation and Chairman, APCD Executive Board
2. Dr. Damrong Reinprayoon – Chairperson, Foundation for the Planned Parenthood of Thailand (FPT) / Member, APCD Executive Board
3. Mrs. Benjamas Kanmuang – Deputy Director-General, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
4. Mr. Punnapoj Phaladech – Director of International Cooperation, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
5. Ms. Chidchanok Malayawong – Director of the Development Promotion and Coordination Division, Thailand International Cooperation Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
6. Prof. Wiriya Namsiriphongphan – Honorary President, Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities / Member, APCD Foundation Committee and Executive Board
7. Mr. Shunsuke Sakudo – Chief Representative, JICA Thailand Office / Member, APCD Executive Board
8. Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay – Chairperson, ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) / Member, APCD Executive Board
9. Dr. Samrit Chapirom – Manager and Deputy Secretary-General, Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities / Member, APCD Executive Board
10. Mr. Thevapong Puangphet – Treasurer, Thailand Association of the Blind / Member, APCD Executive Board
11. Mr. Piroon Laismit – Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Foundation (APCD Foundation) / Member and Secretary, APCD Foundation Committee and Executive Board

During the meeting, APCD presented updates on the work of its four departments: Disability-Inclusive Business, Community Development, Information and Knowledge Management, and Administration. The reports highlighted the progress of activities, key developments, and work undertaken by each department in support of APCD’s mission.

The updates were presented by the following APCD managers:

APCD Foundation Management Team

1. Mr. Somchai Rungsilp – Manager, Community Development Department
2. Ms. Wilailekha Somprach – Manager of APCD 60+ Plus Projects
3. Ms. Kularb Gaysornsri – Manager, Administrative Department
4. Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun – Executive Secretary to the Executive Director and Manager, Information and Knowledge Management Department

Following the presentations, the Executive Board members shared their comments, recommendations, and perspectives on APCD’s ongoing work. The meeting provided an important opportunity to review the Center’s progress and strengthen guidance for its continued work in advancing disability-inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region.