Bangkok, 29 April 2026

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) conducted a meaningful visit to the Association for Parents of Persons with Intellectual Disability of Thailand (APID) on 29 April 2026, with the aim of gaining firsthand insight into the progress of ongoing efforts to promote and support persons with intellectual disabilities across Thailand.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, led a delegation of APCD staff in a meeting with Mr. Suchart Owatwannasakul, President of APID, together with APID executives and members. The visit provided a valuable platform for both organizations to exchange perspectives, share experiences, and assess the current landscape of services, advocacy, and community-based support available to persons with intellectual disabilities and their families nationwide.

A key highlight of the discussions was APCD's commitment to promoting Disability-Inclusive Art as a powerful and transformative vehicle for social inclusion. APCD expressed its strong interest in collaborating with APID to explore how artistic expression — encompassing visual arts, performing arts, and a wide range of creative activities — can serve as a meaningful platform to celebrate the talents and abilities of persons with intellectual disabilities, while fostering greater understanding, awareness, and acceptance within Thai society and across the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive society — one in which persons with intellectual disabilities are recognized not only for their support needs, but equally for their unique contributions, creativity, and potential. The visit further strengthened the enduring partnership between APCD and APID, and paved the way for future collaborative initiatives in the areas of arts, advocacy, and disability-inclusive development.

APCD remains steadfast in its dedication to working alongside civil society organizations, parent associations, and disability-led groups to uphold the rights, well-being, and full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities throughout Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.

On 23 April 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability (APCD) hosted a distinguished study visit by a delegation from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat and eight Pacific Island Countries (PICs), as part of the related activities of the 6th Thailand-Pacific Island Countries Forum (TPIF).

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, together with the APCD team, warmly welcomed the delegation and provided a comprehensive briefing on APCD's mission, programs, and its contributions to disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region.

The delegation was led by Ms. Chuliepote Isarankura Na Ayudhaya, Deputy Director-General, Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Activities during the visit

The delegation participated in a full program of briefings, site visits, and hands-on engagement, including:

• A presentation and overview of APCD's flagship APCD60+ Vocational Training for Employability program, which equips persons with disabilities with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods
• A guided tour of APCD's facilities, showcasing the Center's inclusive design and operational infrastructure
• Lunch served by the APCD60+ Kitchen program — a Disability-Inclusive Business initiative that provides employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities

Strengthening South-South cooperation

The visit offered a meaningful opportunity to share Thailand's experience and models of disability empowerment, and to explore how these approaches could be adapted and replicated in Pacific Island Countries. Discussions highlighted the potential to expand cooperation on disability-inclusive vocational training, economic empowerment, and community-based initiatives.

This study visit formed part of the broader 6th TPIF framework, which was chaired by H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Special Envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 22 April 2026. The TPIF, established by Thailand in 2014, serves as a key platform for advancing South-South cooperation and Thailand's engagement with the Pacific.

Participants of the CS82 visited the booth, where Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, facilitated the distribution of information. 

Executive staff from the Security Division of ESCAP visited the booth, where Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol and Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, along with Ms. Prim Kaewpradab from DEP, facilitated the distribution of information.

A group photo of ESCAP, APCD and DEP working group on DIEB at the booth, emphasizing pioneer collaboration on DIEB in Thailand
 

APCD and DEP Jointly Showcase the “DIEB” Exhibition at ESCAP CS82.

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), jointly organized an exhibition booth at the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP CS82), held from 20–24 April 2026 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific,” the event brought together regional stakeholders to exchange knowledge and promote inclusive development across the region.

At the exhibition, APCD and DEP highlighted key achievements from the “Disability-Inclusive Employment and Businesses (DIEB)” project, a collaborative initiative between ESCAP, DEP, and APCD. The booth presented major outputs, including a Policy Paper and a Practical Guide, demonstrating concrete approaches to promoting inclusive employment and business opportunities for persons with disabilities. The joint participation reflects Thailand’s continued commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and to sharing practical knowledge and good practices at the international level.

Representatives from APCD included Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat (Logistics Officer), Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol (Networking and Collaboration Officer), and Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit (Project Coordinator). Representatives from DEP included Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut, Director of the International Cooperation Section; Ms. Prim Kaewpradab, International Relations Officer; and Mr. Warit Payaksiri, Assistant International Relations Officer. They actively engaged with participants, policymakers, and development partners, contributing to discussions on inclusive policies and sustainable development.