Group pictures featuring 18 advisory board members from government sector, NGOs, OPDs, and private entities.

 

Mr. Thaevan Uthaivath, legal expert, presented the document draft to the meeting participants.

 

The meeting environment taking place on the 3^rd floor meeting room, APCD Administration Building.

 

Thai–English interpreters providing translation services to ensure effective communication and a smooth flow of the meeting.

 

On December 11, 2025, APCD organized the 4^th Advisory Board Meeting for the Disability Inclusive Employment and Business Project (DIEB) at the 3^rd floor meeting room, APCD Administration Building. The meeting aims to gather recommendations on the practical guide to promote DIEB for employers, second result of the project. This document will provide concrete and actionable guidelines to support employers in preparing their workplaces to hire persons with disabilities and in ensuring effective follow-up throughout the employment process. With strong collaboration from diverse sectors, including government sector, NGOs, OPDs, and private entities, the guide is being refined to ensure both its practicality and real-world applicability. The collective input ensures the final document can support meaningful, sustainable, and inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Mongolian participants proudly displayed their certificates alongside APCD staff and Secretary of The Embassy of Mongolia to Kingdom of Thailand during the closing ceremony.

 

The welcome remarks on 17 November and the closing remark on 28 November 2025 was delivered by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive director of APCD.

 

The opening remarks was delivered by Mr. Grisada Phakakarn, Director of Human Resources Development Cooperation Division of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) on 17 November 2025.

 

Participants, resource persons, staff from APCD, TICA and representative from Embassy of Mongolia to Kingdom of Thailand gathered for a group photo at the official opening ceremony.

 

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen started the safety Brief information, Ice Breaking activities and Self-Introduction and facilitated the expected outcome as the first session of the first day training course.

 

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat and Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, facilitated the DET session as the internal resource persons on 17 November.

 

Ms. Tingting Chen, Social Affairs Officer, Social Development Department, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), presented the Bridging Education and Economic Empowerment: Insights from the Jakarta Declaration and Regional Strategies on 17 November.

 

Participant representative gave an appreciation souvenir to Ms. Tingting.

 

Ms. Catherine Wilczek, Associate Programme Officer with her colleague, Ms. Sayaka Imoto, Associate Education Specialist Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific took session of Inclusive Education Concept on 18 November. (UNV) resource persons from UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and

 

Participant gave an appreciation souvenir to resource persons, Ms. Catherine and Ms. Sayaka and took a group photo.

 

Participants took a field visit to observe Kindergarten and Inclusive Primary School Activities with discussion exchange at Kasem Phithaya School on 19 November.

 

Dr. Suchaya Thiansaengthong, Director of Foundation for Children with Disabilities (FCD) presented background, mission, vision and key activities, included the power of love for the Children with disabilities empowerment, inclusion and transition towards inclusive school of FCD during the field visit of participants on 20 November.

 

Participants learned how FCD support children with dualizabilities with one of the its highlights is utilization of local resources to make toys for children with Cerebral Palsy. The toys help children to do rehabilitation and physical therapy.

 

A field visit to Nakhon Pathom School for the Deaf (NPSD). Ms. Sukjai Chaiyamat, Director, welcomed and facilitated learning program included how school supporting students with disabilities for livelihood and transition process for employment. Participants learned how to produce local materials and handicraft products such as salted egg, bags with art flowers to promote the sustainability of sufficiency economy philosophy of the late King Rama 9 on 21 November.

 

Participants took a group photo with the Director and staff of the school as a proud memory.

 

Participants reviewed, reflected and made a strategy plan for inclusive teaching and participate the evaluation of the first week of ToT for Mongolian Teachers/ Educators on Inclusive Education, the session was facilitated by Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, APCD on 22 November.

 

Participants learned on technical skills to mobilize in inclusive education – Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and participated the workshop on IEP draft practice, Application, Wrap up & Reflection by Dr. Somporn Wanset, Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University with her colleague on 24 and 25 November.

 

Participants learned on how to mobilize resources, facilitated by Mr. Somchai, on 25 November.

 

Participants learned on Training Cycle Management facilitated the session by Mr. Watcharapol on 26 November.

 

Participants enjoyed the Facilitation Skills for Changes and practiced on Facilitation Skills, session led by Mr. Somchai on 26 November.

 

Participants worked hard and active on practicing on Training & Facilitation skills and Seminar on key lessons learned from the Course. The session was led by Mr. Watcharapol and Mr. Somchai as a commentator on 27 November.

 

Participants presented their Action Plans on 28 November.

 

Ms. Otgontuya Batjargal from the Ministry of Education, Mongolia, representative of participants, shared her feedback of the training and delivered appreciation messages to the organizers at the closing ceremony.

 

Participants have their national dresses at the closing ceremony.

 

The Training of Trainers (ToT) Course for Mongolian Teachers on Inclusive Education was organized by Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) with fully supported by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) from 16 – 29 November 2025 in Bangkok and  Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand.

This Training of Trainers program was developed under TICA’s sponsorship and delivered by APCD, leveraging its two decades of expertise in disability and development. The initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of Mongolian educators to become effective trainers and advocates for inclusive education in their schools, communities, and national systems in aligning with international commitment.

By equipping participants with practical tools and knowledge, the course contributes to building inclusive learning environments that support students with diverse disabilities and foster meaningful collaboration with families and communities. There were 15 participants various educational personnel in Mongolia such as representative from Ministry of Education, Inclusive education teachers, Educational Methodologist and Researcher.

The training officially began on 17 November 2025 in Bangkok with an opening ceremony. The Welcome Remarks were delivered by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, who highlighted the importance of strengthening educators’ capacity to advance inclusive education in Mongolia. This was followed by Opening Remarks from Mr. Grisada Phakakarn, Director of the Human Resources Development Cooperation Division, TICA, who emphasized Thailand’s commitment to support regional cooperation and promoting inclusive and equitable quality education.

Mr. Galdanjamts Batnasan, Secretary of the Embassy of Mongolia to the Kingdom of Thailand, also attended as an honorable guest, recognizing his continuous support for this collaboration to promote inclusive education in both countries.

After the two-week training, the closing ceremony was held on 28 November 2025, featuring feedback from the participants’ representative, Ms. Otgontuya Batjargal from the Ministry of Education, Mongolia. This was followed by the Closing Remarks delivered by the Executive Director of APCD, and the presentation of completion certificates. The event concluded with a group photo session, with participants proudly displaying their certificates.

From this training course, the participants could practice how to conduct a seminar by adapting the knowledge by using and facilitating their own resources. The training builds a strong network and new collaborations between Thailand and Mongolia in the field of Inclusive Education as well as the collaboration between APCD, TICA, Ministry of Education of Mongolia and Mongolia Embassy to Kingdom of Thailand.

 

 

On 9 September 2025, the National Defence College of Thailand (NDC), Class 67, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taksin Sirisingha, Commandant of NDC, in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) led by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director, jointly organized a 40-minute creative workshop on “Introduction to Understanding on persons with disability” at Eden Plaza, CentralWorld, Bangkok. The program was held as part of the exhibition “THE TEN: One End Ten Ways.”

 

This pioneering activity was designed and coordinated by the Tiger Group (Moo Sua) of NDC Class 67, led by Dr. Seree Nonthasoot (Project Chairperson), Captain Panya Srising (Head of Tiger Group), Ms. Nuchnapa Charoensin (Group Secretary), with academic guidance from General Nakrob Boonbuathong (Advisor).

 

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with APCD resource persons with disabilities, including Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (person with physical disability) and Mr. Sunthorn Yuchareon (person with visual disability), who shared their experiences and knowledge to strengthen understanding of disability inclusion.

 

Lieutenant General Taksin actively participated in the demonstrations alongside the APCD trainers, emphasizing that disability-inclusive development is not only a social responsibility but also a matter of strategic importance for national security. He remarked: “The true strength of a nation lies in inclusive development. A society that opens opportunities for all can ensure lasting security.” He also commended the Tiger Group for pioneering an experiential learning model, developed together with APCD, under the principle of a “Friendly Manner”.

 

The workshop focused on five key areas linking disability inclusion with national security and social development:

1. Recognizing the increasing number of persons with disabilities and elderly in military communities and among veterans.
2. Building inclusive awareness and alliances for national security.
3. Developing military facilities and services that are accessible to all.
4. Fostering inclusive workplaces within the defense sector.
5. Enhancing the capacity of officers to serve with respect for diversity.

This initiative forms part of the “Able Prime Project” of the Tiger Group, which aims to create sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities while contributing to Thailand’s long-term strategic advantage.

The exhibition THE TEN: One End Ten Ways, held on 8–9 September 2025 at CentralWorld, showcased 10 innovative projects by NDC Class 67 covering social, economic, environmental, and security dimensions. The exhibition was formally

opened by General Ukrit Boontanont, Deputy Supreme Commander, and featured a keynote lecture by Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat on “Reducing Inequality through Creative Thinking.”

The Tiger Group of Class 67 consists of participants from the military, police, academia, and civil service, including:

• Captain Panya Srising (Head of Tiger Group)
• Dr. Seree Nontasuti (Project Chairperson)
• Ms. Nuchnapa Charoensin (Secretary)
• Police Major General Sombat Chomphuming
• Captain Yutthaphong Noppakulsatit
• Mrs. Arunlak Thanalertlap
• Rear Admiral Panithi Thongjua
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pareena Sriwanich
• Mr. Ratchachat Siriphanich
• Mr. Settharut Luadsakul
• Mrs. Vichanee Srisawat
• Mrs. Chayuta Wityakul
• Mr. Kriangkrai Watcharaphan
• Mr. Monthien Khanasawat
• Ms. Phetcharat Uthaisang
• Mr. Wutthiphong Wanakul
• Major General Therdsak Wongchan
• Mr. Prawit Tantrajint
• Colonel Anupong Prongchit
• Mr. Amnat Charoensri
• Mr. Narut Thoedsathirasak
• Air Vice Marshal Arkom Kiticharoensak
• Major General Jenwit Detkaew
• Major General Atthachai Raksasin
• Mr. Athipan Janyasak
• Police Major General Charin Kopattha
• Mr. Sarawut Phetphanomphon
• General Nimit Suwanrat
• Mr. Ek Burapawong

 

This collaboration between NDC Class 67 and APCD, under the vision of Lieutenant General Taksin Sirisingha and the dedication of the Tiger Group, represents an exemplary model of military–civilian partnership in advancing an inclusive society. It sets a new standard for NDC initiatives and reinforces Thailand’s commitment to inclusive national development.

On 8 September 2025, H.E. Mr. Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes led a 10-member delegation including H.E. Mr. Francisco Tilman Cepeda, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Thailand, Mr. Leo da Costa Oliveira, Chief of Staff, and delegation members to visit APCD Bangkok.
Thai side welcomed by Ambassador Athipat Rojanapaibul to Dili, Deputy Director-General Arunee Haim, Director Chidchanok Malayawong from Department of International Cooperation, and team.

Exchanged experiences on disability-inclusive development and discussed future potential collaborations with Dr. Tej Bunnag, President of APCD Foundation, & Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD 

The delegation joined an interactive baking workshop led by APCD staff with disabilities, showcasing our practical approach to vocational training and skills development! 

The Foundation of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD Foundation) is pleased to announce the successful completion of an equipment donation ceremony that took place on June 23, 2025, marking another significant milestone in international cooperation for disability inclusion.

Her Excellency Ms. Julide Kayıhan, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Thailand, formally presented specialized equipment designed to enhance the capabilities of persons with disabilities to the APCD Foundation. This generous contribution from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) represents a meaningful investment in advancing disability inclusion initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.

The ceremonial handover took place at the APCD Foundation and was witnessed by distinguished representatives from both Turkish and Thai government agencies. Mr. Dursun Ali Yasacan, Head of Department, and Mr. Mehmed Sulku, Director of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency's Department of East and South Asia, Pacific and Latin America under the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, attended the ceremony alongside Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), and members of the TICA team.

"TİKA's generous equipment support has significantly enhanced our ability to promote disability inclusion across the Asia-Pacific region," stated APCD Foundation representatives. This donation underscores the strong partnership between Turkey and Thailand in advancing the rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities throughout the region.

The equipment donation is expected to bolster the Foundation's ongoing efforts to create more inclusive communities and expand accessibility initiatives across member countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in working toward the shared goal of creating a more inclusive society for all individuals, regardless of ability.

The APCD Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Her Excellency Ms. Julide Kayıhan, TİKA, and all participating organizations for their continued commitment to advancing disability inclusion and fostering meaningful partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bangkok, August 13, 2025 – The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) commends Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for honoring 19 outstanding disability leaders at the "TOP 10 Inspiring Leaders with Disabilities" awards ceremony held today in Bangkok.
Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, praised the initiative as a significant step toward recognizing the exceptional contributions of persons with disabilities across the region. "These remarkable individuals exemplify the leadership potential within our disability community and serve as powerful advocates for inclusive development," stated Mr. Laismit.

Ceremony Highlights
The prestigious ceremony, presided over by Assistant Minister Thanesphon Thanabunayawat of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, celebrated leaders who have transformed personal challenges into societal contributions. The event featured keynote remarks from Permanent Secretary Anukul Peedkaew and an inspirational address by award recipient Police Lieutenant Worawit Na-ratta, who shared his journey of professional achievement and community impact.
"This recognition aligns perfectly with APCD's mission to showcase disability leadership across Asia-Pacific," noted Mr. Laismit. "These leaders demonstrate that with appropriate support systems and inclusive environments, persons with disabilities can achieve extraordinary success and drive meaningful social change."

Regional Impact
The ceremony attracted distinguished attendees including Mr. Chokchai Wichianachaiya, Director-General of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, ministry executives, disability organization representatives, and members of the veteran community. The event took place at the Pakorn Angsusingha Conference Room, Department of Social Development and Welfare Building, Saphan Khao, Bangkok.
APCD views this recognition as a model for other Asia-Pacific nations to celebrate and elevate disability leadership, contributing to the organization's broader advocacy for barrier-free and inclusive societies throughout the region.

About APCD: The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability promotes inclusive, barrier-free, and rights-based society for persons with disabilities through networking, information sharing, research, capacity building, and technical cooperation among stakeholders in Asia-Pacific.
 

 

Our Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit, joined the interview alongside our amazing team members - both staff with disabilities and without disabilities - to showcase how true workplace inclusion works in action! 

Hearing directly from our diverse team about their experiences demonstrates that when we embrace everyone's unique talents and perspectives, we ALL succeed together! 

Thank you to Thai PBS for amplifying these important voices and showing the world what genuine workplace inclusion looks like! 
Together, we're proving that diversity isn't just about doing what's right - it's about unlocking everyone's potential! 

 

Group photo of VIP guests, the United Nations (UNDP, UNICEF, ILO) and corporate partners (Yayasan Sime Darby, Bursa Malaysia, Grab, Starbucks, Astro Awani), ASEAN OPDs’ representatives, organizers, ADF secretariat

 

Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer, delivering youth perspective during Session 5, alongside with UNESCAP Officer Ms. Tingting Chen, Indonesian disability advocate Ms. Revita Alvi, and Dr. Lim Puay Tiak, vice chair of ADF as Moderator.

 

Ten Thai delegate Mission team group photo taking during conference. Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay, New elected chairperson of ADF/ Formal Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and APCD Executive Board Member; Asst. Prof. Dr. Arunee Limmanee, Policy expert on disability inclusive employment and business project, 2 representatives from disabled.me and 1 representative from Transportation For All (T4All) as well as their personal assistants. 

 

Group photo of Session 5: Powering Inclusion - Financing a Future Without Barriers on December 4, youth panelists, featuring, Mr. Chayoot representing Thailand.

 

Collecting materials from Exhibitors, establishing documentation exchange practice.

 

The newly elected executive board of the ASEAN Disability Forum for the 2026–2028 term is led by Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay, Dr. Lim Puay Tiak, Vice Chairperson (Singapore); General Secretary: Maulani A. Rotinsulu; Treasurer: Thongchanh Inthachak (Laos) and  Honorary Advisor: Lauro Purcil (Philippines).

 

APCD mission members Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Dept. (youth speaker with autism) and Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration (documentation support and personal assistant) participated in the ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) Conference 2025, held on 3-4 December in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Organized by the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf assigned by the ADF under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, the event was supported by the United Nations and strategic partners including UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, Yayasan Sime Darby, Bursa Malaysia, Grab, Starbucks, and Astro Awani. Over three hundred participants from ASEAN, Timor-Leste, and both disabled and non-disabled youths attended.

Mr. Chayoot delivered a youth perspective who live with autistic self-advocate’s decent job toward inclusion & sustainability during Session 5, discussing the role of youth with autism as change agents and APCD’s economic empowerment initiatives, with responses from UNESCAP and Indonesian advocates. The forum facilitated valuable knowledge sharing that will benefit APCD’s future planning.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.