January 29, 2026

Mr. Krisana Lalai, President of the Friendly Design for All Foundation, Pays Courtesy Call and Extends New Year Greetings to APCD Executive Director

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) was honored to receive a courtesy visit from Mr. Krisana Lalai, President of the Friendly Design for All Foundation, on January 29, 2026. Mr. Lalai graciously extended his warm New Year greetings to Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD.

During the cordial meeting, both leaders exchanged views on the continued collaboration between their respective organizations in promoting inclusive design and advancing the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. Laismit expressed his sincere appreciation for the ongoing partnership with the Friendly Design for All Foundation and looked forward to strengthening cooperation in the year ahead. The meeting reflected the shared commitment of both organizations to creating a more accessible and inclusive society for all.

APCD remains dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships that contribute to the well-being and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.

JICA Officials Visit APCD to Discuss Third Country Training Program Expansion

Bangkok, Thailand – January 30, 2026

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed distinguished guests from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today, as Mr. TAKAHASHI Yohei, Director of the Social Security Team, Higher Education and Social Security Group, Human Development Department, and Ms. ASANO Yuko, Program Officer from the same department, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director.

The high-level meeting focused on advancing collaboration through the Third Country Training Program, a vital initiative designed to strengthen disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region. The discussions centered on expanding training opportunities for professionals from developing countries, enhancing knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and building sustainable partnerships that promote the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Mr. TAKAHASHI and Ms. ASANO explored potential areas for program enhancement, including curriculum development, and the integration of innovative approaches to disability and development. The meeting underscored JICA’s and APCD's mission of creating an inclusive, barrier-free, and rights-based society for all.

APCD, established with support from the Japanese government, serves as a regional hub for capacity building, knowledge management, and advocacy for disability rights. The Third Country Training Program represents a cornerstone of JICA-APCD cooperation, facilitating South-South cooperation and enabling participants to gain practical skills and knowledge applicable to their home countries.

Both parties expressed enthusiasm about future collaborative initiatives and reaffirmed their shared vision of advancing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) throughout the region.

Mrs. Chatvadee Chindawongse, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs delivered the welcome remarks, and Assistant Professor Dr. Bhanubhatra Jittiang, Thailand’s Representative to the AICHR, provided a briefing on AICHR’s missions for the year 2025.

Priority Program 2026

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, APCD Networking & Collaboration Officer give inputs and suggestions for AICHR Thailand 2026 Priority Program

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, and Ms. Supaanong represented APCD.

APCD Representative featuring group photo with Assistant Professor Dr. Bhanubhatra and Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay, Chairperson, ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF)

On 20 January 2026, APCD attended the annual consultative meeting between Thailand’s Representative to AICHR and civil society at Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai. The annual consultative meeting chaired by Mrs. Chatvadee Chindawongse, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, and Assistant Professor Dr. Bhanubhatra Jittiang, Thailand’s Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), for the 2025 - 2027 term, co-chaired the annual consultative meeting. The meeting was attended by over 80 participants from government agencies, civil society, academia, and partner organisations.

The meeting aimed to review AICHR’s work and key developments in ASEAN in 2025, exchange views on the work plan and ways to advance ASEAN’s human rights agenda in 2026, as well as strengthen the role of Thailand’s AICHR Representative. Participants discussed key human rights issues, including environmental issues and the protection of children, women, persons with disabilities, older persons, migrant workers, and preparations for Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

The meeting is an annual activity co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and AICHR Thailand to promote exchanges between the government sector and civil society in advancing the human rights agenda within ASEAN, in a manner that reflects the need of Thai people and the interests of the ASEAN Community in a comprehensive manner.

A group photo was taken of the Asia-Pacific session, including participants, DET facilitator and organizers APCD and JICA on 14 January.

A group photo was taken of the Africa, Central and Eastern Europe Regions session, including participants, DET facilitator and organizers APCD and JICA on 21 January.

On 14 and 21 January, Mr. Yohei Takahashi, Director, Social Security Team, Human Development Department, JICA provided the opening remarks.

On 14 January, Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator from Malaysia facilitated the interesting DET session exercise on “what is Disability” 

Mr. Fariz facilitated on “How to solve” Session

On 21 January, Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi, Senior DET facilitator facilitated on “Listen to User’s Voice” Session

Ms. Nayfeh, facilitated the session on development of an action plan with participants.

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) successfully launched the 2026 Disability Equality Training (DET) Online Course for JICA National Staff in Asia Pacific, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe Regions on 14 and 21 January 2026.

The training program is implemented by APCD with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Headquarters. The objective of the course is to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and capacities of JICA national staff to effectively promote disability inclusion in development cooperation. The DET program is designed to respond to the specific needs of JICA offices across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Central, and Eastern Europe regions.

The session was officially commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Yohei Takahashi, Director, Social Security Team, Human Development Department, JICA. Mr. Takahashi shared thoughtful insights and encouraging messages, emphasizing JICA’s commitment to disability inclusion and the importance of capacity development among its national staff. Following the opening session, participants joined a virtual group photo to commemorate the occasion.

The main session of the training featured an Interactive DET session lasting 60 minutes. The session was facilitated by Mr. Fariz Abd Rani, Senior DET Facilitator, from Malaysia on 14 January and by Ms. Nayfeh Kurdi, Senior DET Facilitator from Jordan 21 January.

This interactive session encouraged active participation, reflection, and shared learning among participants, focusing on disability inclusion concepts, lived experiences, and practical approaches to inclusive development.

A total of 26 participants joined the course. By the end of the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of disability inclusion and developed action plans to support more inclusive, equitable, and accessible work environments for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager of APCD shared APCD’s experiences and lesson learned on implement of Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) to the 4^th year physical therapy students at Mahidol University.

The session contents were about the mindset to work for and with persons with disabilities, three main approaches to do rehabilitation and develop of persons with disabilities, background of CBID and process of CBID.

APCD was Invited to Share Experiences and Lesson Learned on Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID), on 6 January 2026, at Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager of APCD shared APCD’s experiences and lesson learned on implement of Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) to the 4^th year physical therapy students at Mahidol University.

The session contents were about the understanding and mindset to work for and with persons with disabilities, 3 different main approaches to implement rehabilitation and development of persons with disabilities, background of CBID, main goal and process of CBID.

Two-way communication with active questions and answers were conducted during the session. APCD considers this is the great opportunity for APCD and new generations who will work with and for persons with disabilities to be able to share, exchange and communicate via one of powerful approach, CBID.

Dao Ruang Group members planning 2026 activities 

Late New Year refreshments as token of appreciation to their parents and supporters 

Dao Ruang Group members brainstorming field studies, income-generating initiatives and community volunteer service that enhance the triangle collaboration strategy 

Dao Ruang Group members took a group photo after the meeting

On 11 January 2026, there was Thailand’s promoting self-advocates with intellectual disabilities, the Dao Ruang (“Marigold Flower”) Group, gathered at APCD to finalize 2026 plans for field study, networking activities, income generating activities and volunteer missions that strengthen their triangle-collaboration strategy with parents and supporters. Over snacks shared for the late New Year, members brainstormed ways to promote self-advocacy and capacity across the country. A spirited group photo closed the session, promising another year of empowered partnership.

APCD Executive Director Leads Delegation in Courtesy Visit to National Housing Authority Governor

January 16, 2026

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), led the APCD team in a courtesy visit to meet with Mr. Taweebhong Wichaidit, the current Governor of the National Housing Authority of Thailand.

This meaningful dialogue reflects APCD's ongoing commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and exploring collaborative opportunities to enhance accessibility and inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region. The discussion focused on potential areas of cooperation that could benefit persons with disabilities through improved housing accessibility and community inclusion initiatives.

APCD remains dedicated to working with key stakeholders across various sectors to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities throughout the region.

APCD Welcomes JICA Senior Vice President for Strategic Courtesy Visit

📅 Bangkok, Thailand – January 15, 2026

Mr. Piroon Laismit, the APCD Executive Director, together with the APCD team, warmly welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office for a courtesy visit on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 13:30 to 14:30 at the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) headquarters.

The high-level JICA delegation was led by Ms. Yuko Mitsui, JICA Senior Vice President, and included:

• Mr. Kazuma Inoue, Cooperation Planning Director, Technical and Higher Education Team, Human Development JICA HQ
• Ms. Chiaki Sasagawa, Representative, Technical and Higher Education Team, Human Development JICA HQ
• Ms. Rie Komahashi, Senior Representative, JICA Thailand Office
• Ms. Akari Ichigi, Representative, JICA Thailand Office
• Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, Program Officer, JICA Thailand Office

During the visit, both organizations engaged in fruitful discussions and toured APCD's activities, strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. A significant highlight of the meeting was the announcement that this year will see the implementation of the APCD-JICA Third Country Training Program (TCTP) focusing on "Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB)."

This collaboration demonstrates the continued commitment of both APCD and JICA to advancing disability inclusion and promoting sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed a distinguished delegation from Thai Yamazaki Co., Ltd. for a productive consultation meeting aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities in promoting inclusive employment and disability-inclusive practices.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, representing APCD, hosted the meeting with the Thai Yamazaki leadership team, led by Mr. Masami Akiyama, President of Thai Yamazaki Co., Ltd. The delegation also included Mr. Surachai Kopatta, Executive General Manager, and Mr. Yuichi Ashizawa, Senior General Manager.

The discussion centered on potential partnership opportunities to advance inclusive business practices and create meaningful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Thailand and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Both parties expressed strong interest in working together to promote disability inclusion in the manufacturing sector.

APCD extends its sincere appreciation to the Thai Yamazaki team for their commitment to exploring Disbility-Inclusive Business and Disability-Inclusive Employment initiatives. This consultation represents an important step toward building partnerships that can create positive change for persons with disabilities in the region.

For more information about APCD's partnership initiatives, please visit www.apcdproject.org

About APCD: The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is committed to promoting the empowerment of persons with disabilities and the development of disability-inclusive societies across the Asia-Pacific region.

On 15 January 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), led a APCD team in a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to extend New Year greetings and discuss future collaboration opportunities.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Kantapong Rungreesawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

This meaningful visit strengthens the partnership between APCD and MSDHS in promoting disability inclusion and social development across the Asia-Pacific region.