APCD conducts an Internal Capacity Training Session and Internship Farewell Program at APCD on 16 July 2025, at 3^rd floor, APCD Administration Building. The event brought together fourteen participants from APCD and the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (DEP), a neighboring government focal point on disability development. Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut, Director of the International Cooperation Section, also participated in the in-house training, contributing valuable insights and support. An International Intern and Public Health Graduate Student, Ms. Jasmine Koch, from St. Catherine University in Minnesota, U.S.A., facilitated an Internal Capacity Training Session on Disability Inclusive Food Security and Nutrition for the Community Development Department and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities teams at APCD. Followed by a presentation sharing her final reflections on her month-long internship. The program started with warm remarks and an introduction from the MC of the session, Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, APCD Logistics Officer. This was followed by the Internal Capacity Training Session on “Disability Inclusive Food Security and Nutrition” led by Jasmine with her experience as a public health student and intern at the St. Kate’s/CSJ Food Access Hub, a collaborative project aimed to address food insecurity at her private, liberal arts university through a campus food shelf, community gardens, and sustainability initiatives. A Q&A session was held with comments and questions prompted by the team with meaningful discussion. Next, Jasmine presented her final presentation that shared her key lessons learned and her activities completed at APCD during her internship. Lastly, APCD Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit provided a farewell speech and presented Jasmine with a certificate of completion for the internship and an appreciation letter for her efforts at APCD.

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer, Community Development, APCD moderated the session as the MC.

The Internal Capacity Training on Disability-Inclusive Food Security and Nutrition, conducted by Ms. Jasmine Koch, student interns, was one of the final programs. It was highly interactive and featured active participation and discussion from attendees, including staff from the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (DEP) and APCD.

Ms. Jasmine shared her final internship presentation and reflected on what she gained from her experience at APCD. She also provided recommendations to strengthen their programming and discussed how she plans to apply her newfound knowledge in her future work.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive director, APCD shared a farewell speech and presents Ms. Jasmine with a Certificate of Internship Program Completion 2025, an appreciation letter and the souvenir.

July 11, 2025 – Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), visited MarkRin (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Chiang Mai to promote inclusive employment for persons with disabilities through a chocolate-making partnership. The visit explored ways to empower persons with disabilities via skill development and entrepreneurship in the chocolate industry, aiming to create a replicable model for inclusive business practices.

Associate Professor Dr. San Laongsri and Ms. Kanokkes Laongsri, founders of MarkRin Chocolate, engaged in a discussion with Mr. Piroon Laismit.

Associate Professor Dr. San Laongsri presented a souvenir to Mr. Piroon Laismit.

Bangkok, 9 July 2025 –the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) started to meet with Good Neighbors Thailand Foundation, to seek future collaboration and assist Dulabhatorn Foundation. Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991 headquarter in South Korea. Good Neighbors seeks to implement a community-inclusive and holistic strategy in our operations. Empowering people including disability and transforming communities through social and economic development initiatives.

This Session start with opening remarks of Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager from APCD. Mr. Chayoot Homdee, APCD Community Development Officer as a supporter. Background was Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) wanted to donate fund to help children in needs in north part of Thailand. KOICA is looking for Korean NGO to implement “Inclusive Art” Project. This project empower person with disabilities to have fun activities, empower, and express their creativities to the world. Good Neighbors can be a great candidate choice to implement the Project, because the purpose of Good Neighbors vision is to develop better quality life of children in rural low develop areas. APCD and Good Neighbors Foundation both presented their own organization, exchange each other information and wait for final confirmation to be selected by KOICA.

Mr. EunChang Jang, Country Director from Good Neighbors Foundation (Thailand) exchange information with Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager from APCD.

After meeting, they will seek future collaboration.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, served as a panelist in the “Network Organization Leadership Empowerment Project” hosted by the Association for the Mentally Ill of Thailand. The forum, held in Chiang Mai, focused on advocacy and development for persons with psychosocial disabilities. Mr. Piroon highlighted Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR), emphasizing inclusion, accessibility, and community resilience in disaster preparedness.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, participated in Psychosocial Disability Leadership Forum.

Mr. Piroon Laismit was engaged in a discussion and delivering an interview to share insights on the occasion.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, Mrs. Nucharee Klaisuwan, President of the Association for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities of Thailand, Mr. Phisit Phoolpipat, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security together with other participants, joined in a group photo session

Thailand, July 7, 2025, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) proudly concluded Vocational Skills Development Training for Persons with Disabilities in the in Food Business and Hospitality Business Industry program with closing ceremony held at the APCD Training Building.

The ceremony, which took place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, was presided over by Mr. Piroon Laismit, the APCD Executive Director, who delivered welcoming remarks and expressed gratitude to all participants and stakeholders.

The event featured significant participation from key industry partners, including representatives from Yamazaki, Black Canyon, and Able Prime, who shared valuable insights on their collaborative initiatives with APCD. The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of Ms. Amornsi Rasmitat, Director of the Bureau of Protection, Welfare and Development of Persons with Disabilities of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, representing Director-General Chokchai Wichianwatcharaiya of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Notable attendees included Air Vice Marshal Panya Srisingh, Deputy Director of the Strategic Studies Center at the National Defence Studies Institute, and Ms. Nathajanthanu, Deputy Director of the Vocational Qualifications Institute, along with her delegation who joined to support the initiative. Senior executives from major corporations were also present, including Ms. Petcharat Uthaisang, Managing Director of Goluk Company Limited (Subway), Ms. Kamonlanog Maiyarat from Head of Recruitment and Selection at PTG Energy Public Company Limited, Ms. Thanyaluck Ploacha, Manager of Training & Trainer at Yamazaki, and Mr. Chanwit Pengcharoen, Head of Recruitment and Labor Relations at Black Canyon.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to program graduates, followed by a group photograph and networking session between participants and potential employers. This final component reinforced APCD's commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and facilitating meaningful connections between trained individuals and industry leaders.

This initiative represents a significant milestone in APCD ongoing efforts to enhance vocational capabilities building and promote inclusive employment practices within the food service industry across the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating the organization's dedication to empowering persons with disabilities through practical skills development and direct pathways to employment.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, the executive director of APCD, delivered welcoming remarks and expressed gratitude to all participants and stakeholders.

Trainee with visual disability delivered  speech to express appreciation for the valuable opportunity.

Group photo of trainees who successfully completed the Development Training for Persons with Disabilities.

A Joint Initiative by DEP, APCD, and Centara Life Hotel

4 July 2025, Bangkok, a certificate awarding ceremony was held to honor persons with disabilities who successfully completed an internship program in hotel service vocational skills. The event was a collaboration between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), and Centara Life Hotel. The ceremony took place at Centara Life Hotel, Government Complex and Convention Centre, Chaeng Watthana.

Building Skills, Creating Opportunities

This internship program is part of a broader mission to promote the empowerment and employment of persons with disabilities by equipping them with practical skills and real-world experience in hotel services. Through hands-on training in a professional hotel setting, participants developed service skills that meet industry standards, opening doors to sustainable employment in the hospitality sector.

A Model of Inclusive Collaboration

The event highlighted the successful cooperation between government, private sector, and international organizations in advancing inclusive employment. Participants received both theoretical and practical training under the guidance of experienced hospitality professionals, reinforcing the message that persons with disabilities can thrive when given equal opportunities.

Key Contributors:

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP) – Provided training support and promoted disability-inclusive employment.
• Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) – Contributed international expertise in disability empowerment and inclusive development.
• Centara Life Hotel – Offered a real-world training environment and served as an inclusive workplace model, embracing diversity and equality.

Mr. Piroon Laismi, executive director of APCD, delivered a speech to open the certificate awarding ceremony.

The atmosphere at the certificate awarding ceremony for disability training.

Trainee mark the end of their hotel training with a group photo.

Embracing Neurodiversity: Building Inclusive Workplaces Across Asia

Bangkok, 2 July 2025 – In a powerful move toward greater inclusion and understanding, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) joined hands with MottMacDonald to host a virtual Neurodiversity Sharing Session for employees across nine countries in Asia: Thailand, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

This Session start with opening remarks of  Mr. KaiYea Soh, Deputy Unit General Manager Asia as representatives from MottMacDonald. After the introduction session, the APCD team, led by Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, APCD Networking & Collaboration Officer and Self-Advocate with Autism  and Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, APCD Chief of Networking & Collaboration, shared the experience and informative overview of neurodivergence. APCD Speakers emphasized the value of neurodiverse thinking in the workplace—highlighting how unique cognitive styles can contribute to innovation, creativity, and higher productivity when properly supported together with practical examples and heightened by personal stories and success cases of neurodivergent individuals whose talents flourished once barriers were removed and supportive frameworks were introduced. As a linkage to the session, Mott MacDonald Colleagues presented its internal Reasonable Work Arrangement Guideline, underscoring the company's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The session concluded with a Q&A segment where participants shared insightful questions and reflections.

The guest speakers shared their personal and professional experiences of living with disabilities and working in inclusive environments with online and offline participants

Leading Bangkok hotel enhances staff capabilities in accessibility and inclusion

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit partnered with the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) for a staff training program on June 27, 2025. The collaboration focused on enhancing service excellence through improved accessibility and Disability-Inclusive practices.

The program covered essential areas of modern hospitality service. Staff developed skills in creating accessible environments, effective communication techniques, and understanding diverse guest needs. The training emphasized service excellence standards that benefit all customers.

This training supports our mission to promote inclusive development in business, said APCD course organizers. The initiative represents Carlton Hotel commitment to service excellence and APCD mission to advance inclusive practices across Asia-Pacific.

Carlton Hotel demonstrates leadership in inclusive hospitality by investing in staff development. The hotel management recognized that exceptional service requires specialized knowledge and made the investment to ensure their team delivers world-class hospitality.

This partnership shows that inclusive practices benefit both businesses and the community. Carlton Hotel can now serve customers with enhanced confidence and professionalism, while advancing accessibility standards in Thailand hospitality sector.

Carlton hotel staff participated in a training workshop on disability awareness to enhance understanding.

Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, APCD Information & Knowledge Management, delivered instruction to staff on how to effectively serve customers with disabilities.

Mr.Panomkorn Prasitsuparoph, Administrative Office, assisted in facilitating the training session.

A certificate presentation session was conducted for staff members who successfully completed the training.

APCD60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Cafe experienced an extraordinary day of learning and inclusion as it welcomed The Association of Spouses of Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ASOMFA) for an inspiring bakery learning experience.

Led by Mr. Songwut Pintaruchi, President of ASOMFA, a distinguished group of 20 spouses of senior executives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited the facility to witness firsthand the incredible work and potential of persons with disabilities.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie as the honored guests worked side by side with APCD's talented staff with disabilities, creating not just delicious bread and pastries, but forging beautiful memories together. This extraordinary experience demonstrated the true power of inclusion and showcased the remarkable abilities within the disability community.

When we work together, we prove that talents shine their brightest, noted the APCD team, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to ASOMFA for their warmth and genuine enthusiasm during the visit.

The collaboration highlighted how authentic hospitality truly knows no boundaries and reinforced the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can contribute their unique talents.

Mr. Piroon Laismit welcomed The Association of Spouses of Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ASOMFA) on their visit to APCD.

A photo of the ASOMFA  members participated in a bakery workshop at APCD 60+ Plus Bakery.

Mr. Songwut Pintaruchi, the president of ASOMFA, presented a souvenir to express  their appreciation to APCD.

On Thursday, 26 June 2025, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), in collaboration with The Nippon Foundation, held an internal capacity building training workshop on Project Cycle Management (PCM) at the APCD Administration Building in Bangkok.
The workshop aimed to revisit the role and explore the potential scope of a capacity-building program for disability policy professionals, which has been led by The Nippon Foundation since 2016.

Facilitated by Mr. Yoshio Nakagawa, Program Officer from The Nippon Foundation, the workshop provided APCD and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP) staff with an opportunity to reflect on challenges in bridging the gap between policy and implementation. A total of seven participants took part in the session, engaging in group work and discussion to analyze key issues and examine how structured project planning tools can contribute to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

In the latter half of the day, the focus turned to identifying essential factors for the success of future initiatives, particularly in the context of upcoming collaborative projects with The Nippon Foundation. This discussion encouraged forward-thinking perspectives and reinforced the importance of strategic alignment in inclusive development efforts.

The training served as part of APCD’s continuous efforts to enhance internal capacity and to ensure that its regional programs are both responsive and impactful in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of the Community Development Department at APCD, delivered the opening remarks.

Participants engage the workshop actively and they had the lively discussion.

Photo of each participant with their reaction during the training workshop.

Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut represented DEP and APCD expressed their sincere appreciation to Mr. Yoshio for facilitating the session. The participants gathered a group photo following the end of the workshop.