Group picture featuring participants from government sectors, private business sector, organizations of persons with disabilities, ESCAP, DEP and APCD at Coordinating Platform Members First Meeting. 

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, delivered the welcome remarks and highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in promoting disability-inclusive employment in Thailand.

Ms. Ting Ting Chen from ESCAP actively supported the discussion during the meeting of the development of Thailand's Job Coach system and advance disability-inclusive employment.

The participants from the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, actively exchanged ideas and shared recommendations from the Ministry's perspective during the meeting.

Representative from the private business sector, Central Restaurant, actively exchanged ideas and shared recommendations from the company's perspective, drawing on its experience in employing persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

Ms. Prim Kaewpradub, International Relations Officer at the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP) and a member of the DIEB Project team, facilitated the meeting and encouraged active participation through discussion and knowledge sharing.
 

APCD and DEP Co-organized the First Coordinating Platform Members Meeting to Advance Thailand's Job Coach System.

On 14 July 2026, APCD and DEP co-organized the Coordinating Platform Members 1st meeting under the disability inclusive employment and business project. The Project is supported by 
ESCAP. The meeting marked the official launch of cross-sector collaboration among government agencies, private sector representatives, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and academia, to strengthen disability-inclusive employment in Thailand through the development of the Job Coach system.

The meeting provided an overview of the project's progress, including the completion of the policy paper, practical guide, and Job Coach training. Members were introduced to the objectives, roles, and responsibilities of the Coordinating Platform and discussed how the Platform can support the development and long-term sustainability of the Job Coach system in Thailand. Participants also exchanged recommendations on strengthening collaboration, improving information sharing, and identifying practical mechanisms to support Job Coaches and employers.

In addition, the meeting established the schedule for monthly Coordinating Platform meetings, which will serve as a monitoring and knowledge-sharing mechanism to support trained Job Coaches throughout the implementation period. Members also provided recommendations to further refine the Platform's terms of reference, ensuring clear objectives, defined roles, and practical actions for future collaboration.