On 23 April 2026, the Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability (APCD) hosted a distinguished study visit by a delegation from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat and eight Pacific Island Countries (PICs), as part of the related activities of the 6th Thailand-Pacific Island Countries Forum (TPIF).
Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, together with the APCD team, warmly welcomed the delegation and provided a comprehensive briefing on APCD's mission, programs, and its contributions to disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region.
The delegation was led by Ms. Chuliepote Isarankura Na Ayudhaya, Deputy Director-General, Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
Activities during the visit
The delegation participated in a full program of briefings, site visits, and hands-on engagement, including:
- A presentation and overview of APCD's flagship APCD60+ Vocational Training for Employability program, which equips persons with disabilities with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods
- A guided tour of APCD's facilities, showcasing the Center's inclusive design and operational infrastructure
- Lunch served by the APCD60+ Kitchen program — a Disability-Inclusive Business initiative that provides employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities
Strengthening South-South cooperation
The visit offered a meaningful opportunity to share Thailand's experience and models of disability empowerment, and to explore how these approaches could be adapted and replicated in Pacific Island Countries. Discussions highlighted the potential to expand cooperation on disability-inclusive vocational training, economic empowerment, and community-based initiatives.
This study visit formed part of the broader 6th TPIF framework, which was chaired by H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Special Envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 22 April 2026. The TPIF, established by Thailand in 2014, serves as a key platform for advancing South-South cooperation and Thailand's engagement with the Pacific.
