Bangkok, 11 March 2026 — The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) proudly hosted the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Vocational Training Program for Persons with Disabilities in the Food and Hospitality Business on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, from 13:00 to 13:30 hours at the APCD Training Center, Bangkok.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in APCD's ongoing mission to promote inclusive employment and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Thailand's thriving food and service industries.

The event opened with a welcome address by Mr. Piroon Laisamit, Executive Director of APCD, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who have supported this meaningful initiative. The formal opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Sontaya Boonphoosit, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), underscoring the Thai government's commitment to advancing disability-inclusive employment.

This program is generously supported by the Disability Fund, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), reflecting the government's strong dedication to creating sustainable employment pathways for persons with disabilities in Thailand.

A highlight of the ceremony was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing between the Hilton Hotels Group and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), formalizing a collaborative partnership to promote inclusive hospitality employment and training opportunities for persons with disabilities across the region. This landmark agreement reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to building a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive hospitality sector.