Back row starting from the left Ms. Yao Di, Mr. Ren Zhanbin, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Ms. Han Yongmei, Ms. Xu Ling, and Mr. Ma Litao. Front row starting from the left Mr. Varapote Chensavasdijai, Dr. Tej Bunnag, Mr. Cheng Kai, Mr. Piroon Laismit, and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (seated in a wheelchair).

APCD representatives (right) discussing with China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) (left)

Dr. Tej Bunnag speaks in the meeting

Dr. Tej Bunnag (right) presents souvenirs to Mr. Cheng Kai (left) as a token of gratitude.

Dr. Tej Bunnag (center), Mr. Piroon Laismit (left), and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp (left, in the background) look at products made by persons with disabilities

Dr. Tej Bunnag (center) and Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) listen to staff members providing information about projects.

Dr. Tej Bunnag looks at products made by persons with disabilities

An African drumming performance done by persons with disabilities

APCD Strengthens Cooperation with China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) and Visits Disability Service Programs in Beijing

On 23 June 2026, a delegation from the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), led by Dr. Tej Bunnag, President of APCD Foundation; Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD; Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager, Community Development Department; and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, Manager, Information & Knowledge Management, visited the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) to strengthen cooperation and exchange knowledge on disability-inclusive development.

APCD extends its sincere appreciation to H.E. Mr. Chatchai Viriyavejakul, Ambassador; Mr. Varapote Chensavasdijai, Minister, Deputy Chief of mission; Mrs. Duansib Padmasundara Cullen, Minister-Counsellor; and Ms. Prinda Khusakul, Second Secretary, of the Royal Thai Embassy, Beijing, for their generous support, invaluable assistance, and close cooperation in facilitating this visit.

During the visit, the delegation met with representatives of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), including Mr. Cheng Kai, Chairman of CDPF; Mr. Ren Zhanbin, Director General of the Department of Education and Employment; Ms. Xu Ling, Director General of the Department of International Affairs; Ms. Han Yongmei, Deputy Director General of the Department of Rehabilitation; and Mr. Ma Litao, Deputy Director General of the Department of Sports.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to exchange experiences and discuss potential areas of cooperation in promoting disability-inclusive development, rehabilitation services, employment opportunities, accessibility, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The discussion also underscored the importance of regional collaboration in advancing the full participation of persons with disabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited disability service facilities and programs in Beijing to gain insights into China’s approaches to disability-inclusive development. Participants received an overview of rehabilitation services, assistive technology, vocational training, inclusive education support, and employment promotion initiatives for persons with disabilities.

The delegation also observed various Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) /Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID) initiatives, showcasing good practices in empowerment, independent living, and social participation.

The visit served as a valuable platform for strengthening cooperation between APCD and CDPF, while facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the fields of accessibility, rehabilitation, and disability inclusion. The insights gained from the visit will contribute to APCD’s ongoing efforts to promote disability-inclusive development, enhance opportunities, and support the full participation of persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.