Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), led a joint delegation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA Thailand) in a courtesy visit to Thai PBS, Thailand's first public television station, to extend New Year greetings and explore future collaboration opportunities.

The JICA Thailand delegation included:

• Mr. Sakudo Shunsuke, Chief Representative
• Ms. Ichigi Akari, Representative
• Mr. Sasaki Ryosuke, Representative
• Ms. Nuntaporn Sittidetboripat, Program Officer

The APCD team comprised:

• Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director
• Ms. Nongnuch Methajittpan, Executive Secretary and Manager of Knowledge and Information Management Division
• Mr. Panomkorn Prasitsuparot, Administrative Officer
• Ms. Sirinan Kongcharoen, Knowledge and Information Management Officer

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Thai PBS executives:

• Mr. Somchai Bhudachandra, Deputy Director General of Thai PBS for Content Production
• Mr. Kris Akkarach, Director of Content Creation Bureau
• Mr. Prawit Kongkwanratana, Manager of Documentary and Information Division
• Mr. Fuji Fujisaki, Producer and Moderator
• Ms. Warittha Choksiriwuttikul, Creative of Product Development Marketing, Content Creative Bureau

Thai PBS, officially known as the Thai Public Broadcasting Service, holds the distinction of being the first public television station in Thailand and Southeast Asia, operated by the Thai Public Broadcasting Service organization.

This meaningful visit strengthens the partnership between APCD, JICA Thailand, and Thai PBS in promoting disability inclusion and raising public awareness through media collaboration. 

Group photo of students, project staff, group leader, APCD executive director and staff from APCD.

The APCD Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit delivered insightful welcome remarks.

Associate Professor Dr. Nor Wahiza Binti Abdul Wahat, Project Leader, Inclusive Agro Community Project, UPM shared the purpose of the visit. She also introduced visitor members.   

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, presented APCD’s Regional Activities on Disability Development, which provided an overview of APCD’s key initiatives, partnerships, and impact across the Asia-Pacific region.

The delegations actively discuss APCD Good practices on 60+ plus bakery and chocolate Café

The delegations visited APCD Kitchen by CP and 60+ plus Bakery & Chocolate café which facilitated by Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol

On 9 January 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) warmly welcomed a delegation from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for a study tour under the theme “Inclusive Agro and Lifelong Learning for Empowerment through Skills” at the APCD Training Center Building. The study visit aimed to promote knowledge exchange and explore potential collaboration in inclusive agriculture, skills development, and lifelong learning for persons with disabilities.

The program began with welcome remarks by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, who highlighted APCD’s regional mandate and its commitment to advancing disability-inclusive development. This was followed by a sharing of the purpose of the visit by Associate Professor Dr. Nor Wahiza Binti Abdul Wahat, Project Leader, UPM. She emphasized the importance of promoting disability-inclusive Development in Asia-Pacific Region. The program was moderated by Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat and supported by Ms. Thorfan, APCD.

Participants then attended a presentation on APCD’s Regional Activities on Disability Development, shared by Mr. Somchai, which provided an overview of APCD’s key initiatives, partnerships, and impact across the Asia-Pacific region. Subsequently, representatives from UPM presented their Inclusive Agro Project, fostering a valuable learning exchange between the two institutions.

A highlight of the visit was the site visit to the 60+Plus Disability-Inclusive Employment Business (DIEB) initiative, showcasing how empowerment is achieved through skills development. The delegation toured the Bakery and Café operations, as well as the Mini Chocolate Factory and Kitchen, guided by Ms. Supaanong and Ms. Thorfan who gained insights into inclusive business models that promote sustainable livelihoods.

Group photo of students, professors and APCD executive director and staff.

The welcoming speech made by the APCD Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit.

There were 26 students and 2 professors, Prof. Laura Eisenman from Delaware University and Asst. Pro. Dr. Theeraphong Bualar from Burapha University.

A lecture on disability-inclusive development and APCD approaches were share by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen.

Students roll play on empathy exercise; they put on blindfold to demonstrate as a blind person.

The student tested chocolate made by staff with disability and visited APCD 60+ plus Bakery & Chocolate café which facilitated by Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol and Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit.

On 6 January 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed students and professors from the University of Delaware, USA, for a study tour. There were 24 students and 2 professors. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to explore APCD’s activities and disability-inclusive business initiatives. The program began with welcome remarks by the Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit. Prof. Laura Eisenman, a representative of the University of Delaware, together with representatives from Burapha University, then presented an appreciation souvenir to the APCD Executive Director. The visit concluded with a group photo to mark the occasion, as they were the first group of visitors of the year 2026.

The program continued by presentation on APCD’s Mission, Project activities Approaches facilitated by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of the networking & collaboration.

Following the lecture, the visitors experienced on empathy exercise to understand and live inclusively, especially with blind people as example from the exercise. And switched the group for a tour to APCD 60+ Bakery & Chocolate Café as well as the Kitchen by C.P., and the accessible facility of APCD training building. The tour was facilitated by Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol and Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit.

The students participated actively, engaging in thoughtful questions about APCD's activities and demonstrating genuine interest in understanding the nuances of disability studies and sustainable development for persons with disabilities. The study tour also achieved its objectives by fostering academic networking and strategic partnerships, encouraging students to gain deeper understanding.

Bangkok, Thailand – In a gesture of goodwill and continued partnership, Mr. Charnwit Pengcharoen, representing BLACK CANYON (THAILAND) COMPANY LIMITED, graciously extended warm New Year greetings to Mr. Piroon Laismit of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD).

The cordial exchange of seasonal greetings reflects the ongoing collaborative spirit between BLACK CANYON (THAILAND) COMPANY LIMITED and APCD as both organizations look forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

BLACK CANYON (THAILAND) COMPANY LIMITED, a leading name in Thailand's food and beverage industry, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

This thoughtful gesture at the beginning of the new year underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships between the private sector and organizations dedicated to social development.

Both parties expressed optimism for continued cooperation and mutual support throughout the coming year.

Bangkok, 7 January 2026 – The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) received a courtesy call from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, from 11:00 to 11:30 hours at the APCD headquarters.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, received the JICA delegation, which included Ms. Rie Komahashi, newly appointed Senior Representative of JICA Thailand Office, and Mr. Ryoichi Kawabe, outgoing Senior Representative.

The courtesy call served to mark the conclusion of Mr. Kawabe's distinguished service as Senior Representative and to formally introduce Ms. Komahashi in her new capacity. Mr. Laismit expressed his sincere appreciation to Mr. Kawabe for his dedicated efforts in strengthening the partnership between JICA and APCD, and extended a warm welcome to Ms. Komahashi.

Ms. Komahashi conveyed her commitment to continuing and further enhancing the collaborative relationship between JICA and APCD in advancing disability-inclusive development throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between JICA and APCD, which continues to play a vital role in promoting the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the region.

January 7, 2026 - Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), led the APCD team in extending New Year greetings to Ms. Jatuporn Rojanapanich, Director General of the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development.

The courtesy visit reflects the ongoing collaboration between APCD and the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development in promoting inclusive development and ensuring the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly women and families with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and discuss future collaboration initiatives aimed at advancing disability-inclusive policies and programs in Thailand and across the region.