Bangkok, Thailand - May 31, 2024: In a positive step towards advancing inclusive development across the region, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), paid a courtesy call to Mr. Wattanawit Gajaseni, Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) today.

The meeting represented an opportunity for both organizations to explore potential areas of collaboration in promoting disability-inclusive policies and programs throughout the Asia-Pacific. With their shared commitment to leaving no one behind and guided by Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, they discussed how APCD's expertise in disability affairs could complement international development cooperation.

"We are excited at the prospect of joining forces with TICA to ensure disability inclusion remains a cross-cutting priority in regional development efforts," stated Mr. Laismit. "By pooling our resources and know-how in line with TICA's principles, we can accelerate positive change for persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific, including providing training courses via the AITC platform."

Director-General Gajaseni welcomed deeper engagement with APCD, highlighting Thailand's focus on disability-inclusive development through the lens of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and initiatives like the AITC. "We look forward to working closely with APCD to mainstream disability inclusion into our programs and projects guided by the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy."

The courtesy call marked an important step towards a substantive partnership that could benefit persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific. Potential APCD training contributions would allow regional capacity building in line with the principles. As the region rebuilds from COVID-19, such collaborative efforts applying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy will be crucial for a more inclusive, accessible society.