23 February 2026 — Ms. Asahi SAITO, Third Secretary (Labour Section) of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, accompanied by Ms. Kansiree Amatayakul (Translator), made an official visit to the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and its related facilities in Bangkok, Thailand.

The visit commenced at 9:00 a.m. at the APCD Administrative Building, where the guests were warmly welcomed by APCD staff. The morning began with a hands-on baking activity at the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café, offering a meaningful opportunity to engage with staff with disabilities, including a friendly interaction with staff with visual disabilities.

Following the activity, the guests were guided on a tour of APCD's Administrative and Training Buildings, gaining firsthand insight into the organization's facilities and operations.

The delegation then extended their visit to APCD's outreach branches, including the APCD branch at the Government House (Prime Minister's Office) and Buakaew Brew by APCD at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting the broad institutional partnerships that APCD maintains across key government bodies.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Yamazaki branches at Siam Paragon and Central Rama 3, where APCD graduates with disabilities are actively employed. The visits included meetings with executives of Thai Yamazaki Co., Ltd., highlighting the successful collaboration between APCD and the private sector in promoting inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The visit underscored the strong and continued partnership between Japan and APCD in advancing disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region.

The presenter from of the Department of Social Development and Welfare provided the guideline on how to use Volunteer Web Portal to promote volunteer work and database in Thailand.

Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, APCD representative, joined the online meeting on the International Year of Volunteer for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026) organized by the Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

the picture features a group picture of over 170 meeting participants from the government sector, private entities, and civil society organizations.

On 19 February 2026, Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, DIEB Project Coordinator, joined the online meeting on the International Year of Volunteer for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026) organized by the Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The meeting aims to report the department’s work in promoting volunteer work for sustainable development. The meeting started with the opening remark, followed by the presentation from UN Volunteer, highlighting volunteer work being about participation and ownership while emphasizing IVY 2026 as a key success to promote volunteer work through strengthening collaboration across sectors.

The presenters from of the Department of Social Development and Welfare outlined the initiatives and activities to enhance volunteer work in 2026, including annual report, seminars, and communication campaign. Aiming to promote the work of volunteers and develop comprehensive database in Thailand, the department broadcasted the use of Volunteer Web Portal. The platform consists of four main functions: activity advertisement, volunteer work publication, volunteer registration, and volunteer location pinning. The meeting concluded with the Q and A session and evaluation. With over 170 participants from the government sector, private entities, and civil society organizations, the meeting marks a significant step in promoting volunteer work in Thailand.

Group photo of Generation Thailand Staffs and APCD Resource Persons, Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen and Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol.

Disability Equality Training (DET) Session was facilitated by Mr. Watcharapol.

Session on Understanding Disability and how to interact with persons with disabilities, especially the terminology, which facilitated by Ms. Supaanong.

On 18 February 2026, APCD conducted one day Disability Inclusion Training for 20 Generation Thailand Staff, organized by the Generation Thailand at Knowledge Exchange Tower, Bangkok. The Training was facilitated by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration, and Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer from APCD.

Generation Thailand is part of a global network of social non-profit organizations that encourage everyone to enter in-demand careers in the labor market to drive the economy and create a better quality of life. Generation Thailand have mission to transforming education into systemic employment, create opportunities, prepare and support everyone to enter meaningful careers in order to develop citizen to valuable careers and transforming the quality of life for everyone, everywhere in the world.

The Training began with welcome remarks by the Generation Thailand Chief’s Executive Officer, Ms. Phunyanuch Pattanotai. The program continued by presentation on APCD’s Mission, Project activities, APCD Approaches and Disability Equality Training (DET) facilitated by Mr. Watcharapol. Then, it continued with session on Understanding Disability and how to interact with persons with disabilities, especially the terminology, which facilitated by Ms. Supaanong.

The closing session reflects APCD and Generation Thailand commitment to nurturing disability inclusion through inclusive employment for Thai Persons with Disabilities.

Group Photo among organizers, evaluation team from International Development Center of Japan and participants.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration, shared good practices in TCTP on strengthening Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) in ASEAN Region.

Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer, shared insights Networking & Dissemination Platform through the Google Chat.

On 13 February 2026, Ms. Maricel De La Vega-Urdas from the Philippines were invited to present a success case on post-training impacts in Philippines.

On 13 February 2026, Mr. Pham Quang Khoat from Vietnam were invited to present a story on Networking impacts after the training.

On 12 February 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) attended and spoke for Session titled “Networking & Dissemination” for Joint Evaluation Seminar for TCTP on Strengthening Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) in ASEAN organized by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). The Seminar featured evaluation results, facilitated by the International Development Center of Japan (IDCJ) team. The seminar remarks delivered by Ms. Chidchanok Malayawong, TICA Director of Development Promotion and Coordination Division and Mr. Shinji Maruyama, Senior Deputy Director from JICA’s Evaluation Department.

The evaluation seminar presented survey results, challenges, and recommendations. Representatives from APCD participated in the discussions, including Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration, who served as speaker for the session titled “Networking & Dissemination,” and Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer. Mr. Watcharapol shared best practices from TCTP regarding efforts to strengthen Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) in the ASEAN region. He emphasized the value of the Networking & Dissemination Platform via Google Chat and highlighted ongoing collaboration between implementing agencies and former participants following the training series. Additionally, Mr. Watcharapol underscored continued partnerships on DiDRR as APCD’s latest initiative.

On 13 February 2026, Ms. Maricel from the Philippines and Mr. Pham Quang Khoat from Vietnam were invited to present a success case as well as stories from two APCD ex-trainees. The program thanked all participants for their dedicated collaboration during the evaluation of the DiDRR TCTP three-year program. Participants are encouraged to join Ms. Maricel and Mr. Khoat in sharing memorable experiences.

APCD Launches 2026 Vocational Training Program for Persons with Disabilities in Food and Hospitality Sector, Marks MOU Signing with Hilton Hotels Group

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.

Bangkok, 12 February 2025 – The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Foundation participated in the Reception to celebrate the 66th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and Japan National Day, held at the Plenary Hall, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

The event, which took place from 18:30 to 20:30 hours, was attended by distinguished guests, diplomats, and representatives from various organizations. APCD set up an exhibition booth to showcase its programs and initiatives in promoting disability inclusion and empowerment across the Asia-Pacific region.

The celebration featured a variety of festive activities including Japanese food and regional specialties, music performances, and arts and cultural showcases. Guests enjoyed traditional Japanese performances such as ballet, Awa-odori dance, Taiko drumming, and Lion Dance.

APCD's participation in this prestigious event highlights the strong partnership between APCD and the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, particularly through the longstanding support from the Japanese government and organizations in advancing disability rights and inclusive development in the region.

The evening provided an excellent opportunity for APCD to network with diplomatic missions, government representatives, civil society organizations, and the private sector, fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships for disability inclusion.

APCD remains committed to working with international partners, including Japan, to create a more inclusive and barrier-free society for persons with disabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Bangkok, 12 February 2025 – The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Foundation hosted a study visit for 40 network partners from the Institute for the Development of Holistic Health Service System (IDHHS) under the National Health Foundation (NHF) to observe vocational training programs for persons with disabilities at the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Cafe.

The visit, which took place from 8:00 to 10:00 AM, was part of the project "Driving Collaboration for Social Impact Through Public-Private-Civil Society Partnership: Social Impact Partnership To(gether))," funded by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

The IDHHS delegation toured the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Cafe, a learning center that provides vocational training opportunities for persons with disabilities. The center aims to create sustainable employment opportunities and enable persons with disabilities to support themselves with dignity and pride.

Ms. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, welcomed the delegation and facilitated the knowledge exchange session. The visit provided valuable insights into APCD's approach to disability-inclusive employment and vocational skills development.

The study visit is part of IDHHS's efforts to expand successful models of social impact partnerships across Thailand, bringing together government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and network partners to strengthen community-based disability inclusion initiatives.

APCD Foundation continues to serve as a regional resource center, sharing best practices and innovative approaches to disability inclusion with organizations throughout Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.

Thai-Japanese Association School Students Participate in Hands-On Vocational Skills Class at APCD

February 10, 2026 – The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Foundation (APCD) hosted 30 students and 17 teachers from the Thai-Japanese Association School for a practical vocational skills development class as part of their educational field trip program.

The visit provided students with hands-on learning experiences focused on developing work-related skills and gaining real workplace experience at APCD's training facility and the 60+ Plus Bakery.

Upon arrival, students were warmly welcomed by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, during the opening ceremony. The program was carefully structured to provide age-appropriate practical training, with 26 elementary students participating in a bread-making workshop while 4 secondary students received hands-on training in customer service and front-of-house operations.

The bread-making workshop engaged elementary students in every step of the production process, from measuring ingredients to shaping dough, under the guidance of experienced APCD bakery staff. Students learned fundamental techniques while practicing following instructions, working safely, and maintaining cleanliness in a professional kitchen environment.

Secondary students received specialized training in retail operations, learning how to greet customers, handle transactions, maintain product displays, and provide quality service. These practical lessons emphasized the importance of communication skills, attention to detail, and professional conduct in customer-facing roles.

During the facility tour, students observed the complete production process and visited the café, where they practiced real-life skills by selecting and purchasing baked goods and beverages. This exercise reinforced decision-making abilities, money handling, and appropriate behavior in public commercial spaces.

The interactive Q&A session provided valuable opportunities for students to ask questions about different job roles, workplace routines, and the skills needed for various positions within the bakery and café operations.

Practical vocational training classes such as these help students develop work-readiness skills. By experiencing actual workplace environments, students gain confidence and a clearer understanding of what working life entails.

The APCD training facility, with its inclusive approach to skills development, offered an ideal setting for students to practice workplace protocols, professional etiquette, and teamwork in a supportive environment.

The educational field trip concluded with heartfelt thanks from student and teacher representatives during the closing ceremony, before the group returned to school in the early afternoon.

This hands-on vocational skills class exemplifies the collaborative partnership between educational institutions and community organizations in preparing students for meaningful participation in the workforce through practical, experiential learning.

Former APCD Executive Director Mr. Akiie Ninomiya and Mrs. Marcy Ninomiya Visit APCD

February 4, 2026

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) welcomed Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, former APCD Executive Director, and his spouse, Mrs. Marcy Ninomiya, on February 4, 2026.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, and the APCD team were pleased to receive Mr. and Mrs. Ninomiya. During the visit, they exchanged updates and discussed the Center's ongoing work in promoting the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting was warm and friendly, with both Executive Directors sharing perspectives on APCD's development and future direction. The visit reflected the strong continuity of APCD's mission and the continued connection within the APCD family.

Mr. Piroon Laismit and the team appreciated Mr. and Mrs. Ninomiya's visit and their ongoing support for APCD's work.

Phyathai–Paolo Hospital Group Visits APCD and 60+ Plus Café to Support Inclusive Employment of Persons with Disabilities

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) was honored to welcome the Human Resources delegation from Phyathai–Paolo Hospital Group, led by Ms. Supaporn Banchajarurat, Director of Human Resources, together with the Employee Relations and Internal Communications team.

During the visit, the delegation toured APCD and the 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café, an inclusive social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for persons with disabilities under the APCD 60+ Project. The representatives met and exchanged conversations with persons with disabilities working in the project, expressing encouragement and appreciation for their dedication and capabilities.

On this occasion, Phyathai–Paolo Hospital Group also supported bakery products produced by persons with disabilities, which will be delivered to hospital personnel. This support reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusive employment and recognizing the value and potential of persons with disabilities in the workforce.

APCD sincerely appreciates Phyathai–Paolo Hospital Group for their meaningful support and partnership in advancing disability-inclusive development. Such collaboration plays an important role in creating sustainable employment opportunities and fostering a society where everyone can contribute with dignity and pride.