Group Photo of Facilitators and Participants, together with Regional Stakeholders.

 

Mr. PT Lim, ADF Chair and International Disability Alliance (IDA) Treasurer delivered opening remarks for Post GDS Regional Workshop.

 

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer APCD, shared APCD Activities at Post GDS Regional Workshop.

 

Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer APCD, answered the questions from the facilitators.

 

Closing session as momentum of carry on the legacy of Bridge CRPD.

 

APCD Neurodivergent duo, Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer and Mr. Chayoot Homdee, Community Development Officer participated in last Module of Bridge CRPD-SDGs ASEAN Training at Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort on 9 to 19 October 2025.

The Second half of Bridge CRPD-SDGs had 25 participants with disabilities overall from ASEAN Member States.This training was organized by International Disability Alliance (IDA) and International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) with collaboration of ASEAN Disability Forum.

The Objective of this training is to create an elaborate last module knowledge about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to formulate public policy and tailored Advocacy Campaign.

In this training, Thai participants who joined the training included Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut, DEP Director of International Cooperation, Ms. Prim Kaewpradub, DEP Official, Dr. Issavara Sirirungruang, Lecturer of Ratchasuda Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Mr. Rutt Kichtham, Disabilities Thailand and Ms. Peanchanan Leah, Independent Activist.

This is the last module of Bridge CRPD-SDGs Training. After this training, participants will be able to be CRPD resource persons and facilitators.

Group photo of co-organizers including Thai PBS, Japan Foundation Bangkok, Fiends in Need (of-PA) Volunteers Foundation Thai Redcross, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDP), Disaster Response Association (Thailand) D.R.A.T., Hydro-Informatics Institute (Public Organization) and APCD standing together to promote disaster preparedness and inclusive resilience.

 

Mr. Somchai Phutchanthra (Deputy Director of Thai PBS) and Mr. KURIYAMA Masayuki (Japan Foundation Bangkok) delivered inspiring opening remarks, setting the tone for a day of learning and collaboration.

 

Prof. Dr. Yuichi Ono shared global insights during his TED talk on predicting future disasters, drawing from Japan’s BOSAI experience to spark new thinking on safety and risk.

 

A dynamic panel of five disaster experts discussed real-world crisis management from policy to practice followed by an engaging Q&A session with the audiences.

 

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Department Manager, provided a couple of insightful inputs at the engaging Q&A session.

 

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp and Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen posed proudly in front of the event backdrop, highlighting APCD’s booth on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR), where tools and ideas ensure no one is left behind.

 

On Saturday, 11 October 2025 in Bangkok, APCD proudly joined an important event organized by Thai PBS, alongside with key partners including the Japan Foundation Bangkok, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Fiends in Need (of-PA) Volunteers Foundation Thai Redcross and Disaster Response Association (Thailand) D.R.A.T. The goal of this event was to raise public awareness about disaster preparedness and resilience.

The event opened with remarks from Mr. Somchai Phutchanthra (Deputy Director of the Thai National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission-TNBT) and Mr. KURIYAMA Masayuki (Japan Foundation Bangkok), followed by a powerful talk from Prof. Dr. Yuichi Ono, a disaster management expert from Japan, His experience from the World BOSAI Forum gave everyone a new way to think about risk and safety. He shared lessons learned from global disasters and inspired new ways to think about safety.

A panel of five experts, distinguished speakers who are co-organizers of the event, from independent scholars to front responders, shared lessons from floods, field operations, digital coordination and policy frameworks.  then discussed real-life crisis management from policy to field action highlighting the importance of prevention, protection and preparedness.

APCD staff, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp joined as an honored guest, while Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen led the exhibition on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction. The booth showcased tools and ideas to ensure people with disabilities are included in emergency plans and warning systems.

The event was streamed live from 9:00 a.m., helping people across Thailand learn how to stay safe together.

The organizers and participants pose together for a warm group photo to open CP World Day, filled with positive energy and happy hearts ready to share smiles.

 

Adorable sticker launch, everyone was excited to see the new LINE sticker set, happily given for free to all participants to spread joy and fun messages.

 

Mr. Watcharapol (Jieb) and Mr. Suriya (Por) act at a cheerful co-Master Ceremony

 

The event was full of laughter and good feelings with new two lovely radio program moderator, Khun Oui & Khun Am, as they both introduced the new radio program “Chat Near Noon.” The room was filled with smiles and laughter.

 

Regarding an inspiring talk session Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ronnapee Chaichaowarat shared his life experience, inspiring everyone to believe that “Wheelchairs can walk” — a true message of hope and possibility.

 

On October 6, 2025, the Foundation of Children with Disabilities (FCD) in cooperation with Bangkok Disabled Community hosted a special Facebook Live program to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy (CP) Day 2025. The event highlighted the strength, potential, power of love and achievements of individuals living with cerebral palsy in Thailand.

FCD invited Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking & Collaboration at the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) to act as co-MC alongside Mr. Suriya Somsrila, who lives with cerebral palsy and serves as a strong role model for people with disabilities and their families.

The live session aimed to raise public awareness about cerebral palsy and promote inclusion and equity participation. Mr. Watcharapol’s implementing activities’ experience in disability inclusion networking added value to the discussion, while Mr. Suriya’s personal perspective offered inspiration, challenges and hope to many viewers that are hybrid live session.

Together, they shared meaningful stories about empowerment, accessibility, and the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive. The program received positive feedback online, with many participants expressing admiration for the co-hosts’ teamwork and encouraging message.

This event reinforced FCD’s ongoing mission to support children and adults with disabilities, while APCD continues to drive collaboration and regional inclusion efforts. Both organizations remain committed to building a society where every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and opportunity.

The group photo of participants, representatives and staff members of Disabled Peoples’ International Korea (DPI-Korea), Transforming Community for Inclusion (TCI) Global and APCD at the opening ceremony.

 

Executives from Organizing Team, included Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, Ms. Chintha J. Munasinghe, TCI Global Executive Board Member and Mr. Kim Young Wook, Secretary General of DPI-Korea, delivered opening remarks at APCD.

 

The program started with Hope and Concerns which was facilitated by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen (Chife of Networking & Collaboration)

 

The Program on Tour at APCD Premises and vist United Nations Conference Center.

 

Ms. Kavita Nair and Mr. Waqar Puri, Facilitators from TCI Global, led a session about discrimination with exercise.

 

The group photo of participants, representative of DPI-Korea, TCI-Global, APCD and Living Association Thailand at the field visit to Living Association Thailand, Nonthaburi Province.

 

Participants toured to handmade products, agricultural project and joined team building activities at Living Association Thailand.

 

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat and Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, as DET Facilitators from APCD led the DET Session.

 

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp led the session of “Community-based Inclusive Development and Resource Mobilization”

 

Ms. Kim Eun Jung, DPI-Korea Team Manager of International Relations, shared on the session “Towards Community and Rights: Deinstitutionalization and CRPD Implementation in South Korea”.

 

 

Remarks from Participants Representative of Participants at Closing Ceremony, Ms. Aminath Zeeshan Amir from Maldives

 

Ms. Siriporn Prasertchat as Master of Ceremony, conducted the opening and closing ceremony.

 

The group photo of participants holding completion certificate, and organizers team at the closing ceremony including representatives from DPI Korea, TCI-Global, APCD and Mr. Chatvichai Promadhattavedi, Bangkok Art and Culture Center Foundation.

 

 

The CRPD Training 2025, organized by Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) Korea, APCD, and Transforming Communities for Inclusion (TCI) Global, took place in Bangkok and Nonthaburi Province from 29 September to 3 October 2025. Ten women with psychosocial disabilities from South Asia, Indonesia, and Thailand participated and gained advocacy and leadership skills to strengthen inclusion and community participation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The training, aligned with the Jakarta Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2023–2032), emphasized inclusive leadership and the role of women with disabilities in promoting equitable societies. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Kim Young Wook (DPI Korea), Ms. Chintha J. Munasinghe (TCI Global), and Mr. Piroon Laismit (APCD) at APCD.

Participants engaged in sessions with international experts, exploring disability rights, advocacy, and inclusion of persons with psychosocial disability, and strengthened networks with regional counterparts. Field visits included UNESCAP office in Bangkok to learn about regional implementation of the Jakarta Declaration and gender-responsive disability policies, the Living Association (in Nonthaburi Province) to experience community-based recovery and inclusive employment initiatives as well as APCD.

Key objectives of the program included: Understanding CRPD principles and applications, developing facilitation skills for knowledge sharing, building regional networks and gaining practical experience through field visits.

The training emphasized a human-rights model of disability, community inclusion, project management and resource mobilization. Participants presented Action Plans to advance CRPD implementation in their countries. Certificates were awarded at the closing ceremony, with reflections on personal growth and reaffirmed commitments from partner organizations.

CRPD Training 2025 fostered regional solidarity and laid the foundation for ongoing collaboration, ensuring the principle of “Nothing about us without us” becomes a lived reality across communities.

A group photo capturing organizers and staff from AMITH, APCD resource persons, and participants from 27 provinces, including more than 700 persons with mental health disabilities and their supporters, who joined the event.

 

Mrs. Nuchgalee Klaysuwan, President of AMITH, greets and delivered the welcome remark at the opening program.

 

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen (Chief of Networking & Collaboration) and Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat (Logistics Officer introduced themselves and presented APCD approaches.

 

APCD resource persons presented inclusive leisure, recreation and sports, sharing expertise learned from Japanese experts to enhance awareness and practices in Thailand.

 

Persons with mental disabilities and their supporter participated a mini completion of Takkyu Volley.

 

The participants participated a mini completion of Samspel and Dodgebee.

 

On 24 September 2025 in Nakhon Nayok Province, the Association of the Mentally Ill of Thailand (AMITH), in partnership with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, hosted a nationwide seminar to advance Disability-Inclusive Sports (DIS) for individuals with psychosocial disabilities, their family members, and supporters. The APCD facilitators team, representing the Community Development Department and led by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen (Chief of Networking & Collaboration) and Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat (Logistics Officer), facilitated engaging demonstrations of Takkyu Volley, Samspel, and Dodge Bee—three inclusive sports introduced by Japanese experts through the DIS project at APCD training a few years ago. More than 700 participants from 27 provinces across Thailand attended, including persons with psychosocial disabilities, their families, and supporters. This event aimed to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, promote social participation, promote self-reliance, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders nationwide. APCD and AMITH continue to work together to ensure equal opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive society.

APCD actively participated in the Social Development Expo 2025 (SDx 2025) which was organized by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), focused on the theme “Demographic and Climate Crises.”

 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director and his senior staff joined the official opening of SDx 2025 at the Opening Ceremony.

 

At the Panel Discussion on “Demographic and Climate Crises: Challenges & Opportunities”, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager shared APCD’s perspectives on demographic and climate challenges.

 

At Youth Voice session: Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol (Officer, Networking & Collaboration) shared her vision as a young woman leader with autism in social development.

 

Mr. Piroon took part in strategic discussions with national and international leaders at High-Level official Meeting together with high-level officials, UN agencies, embassies, and international organizations.

 

APCD Booth: APCD showcased inclusive initiatives on disability, sports, and disaster risk reduction. Visitors were participating in the interactive activities and interacting with APCD staff with different abilities.

 

APCD actively participated in the Social Development Expo 2025 (SDx 2025) on 17–18 September 2025 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok. The event was organized by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), focused on the theme “Demographic and Climate Crises.”

The Expo gathered high-level officials, UN agencies, embassies, international organizations, civil society organizations as well as organizations of persons with disabilities to share knowledge & strengthen collaboration on social development issues towards inclusion for all.

APCD Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit joined the opening ceremony and high-level dialogue. Mr. Somchai Rungsilp represented APCD as a panelist in the session “Demographic and Climate Crises: Challenges & Opportunities.” Meanwhile, Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Officer of Networking & Collaboration or “NuNu” contributed insights as a young women with autism who was sharing her perception on empowerment & inclusion for social development.

APCD also hosted a booth showcasing initiatives on disability inclusion in sports and disaster risk reduction. The Expo created opportunities to exchange experiences, build networks, and highlighted the importance of inclusion for all in addressing today’s challenges along with opportunities for Thai society and international community.