The group photo of participants of the event.

The group photos of the invited speakers and key figures involved in the project

The group photos of the invited speakers including Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Mr. Todd Lavelle, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan and a representative from the Department of Mental Health.

The group photos of the invited speakers including Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan and a representative from the Department of Mental Health.

Participants attentively listening to the speakers.

 Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjttipun representative from APCD and a representative from the Department of Mental Health.

The group photo including Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjttipun.

APCD Joins Press Conference and Opening Ceremony of "Together as One Family" Project in Nonthaburi

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) was honored to be represented at the press conference and opening ceremony of the project "Together as One Family: หลายดวงใจ หนึ่งครอบครัวเดียวกัน", organized by the Northern Thailand Association for Persons with Mental Disabilities, on Monday, 26 May 2026, at Ballroom A, 5th Floor, Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel, Chaengwattana Road, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi.

APCD was represented by Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjttipun and Mr. Krittapol Chamrasromran, who attended on behalf of the Executive Director of APCD.

The event was graced by Ms. Sonthaya Bunyapusit, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who emphasized that improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities must encompass education, occupation, welfare, and rights — while championing an "Inclusive Society" supported by technology, innovation, and both public and private sector employment. A representative from the Department of Mental Health also highlighted that mental health concerns everyone, and that family, community understanding, and reduction of stigma are key to enabling persons with psychosocial disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

Additionally, Mr. Todd Lavelle, an American artist and social activist, shared his belief that arts, music, and creative activities can serve as powerful bridges to reduce prejudice and shift society's perspective on persons with mental health conditions. Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, President of the Association for Persons with Mental Disabilities of Thailand and Northern Region, closed by calling on society to offer understanding, opportunity, and equal acceptance to persons with psychosocial disabilities and their families.

The project, supported by the Fund for Promotion and Development of Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities, aims to strengthen the capacity of persons with psychosocial disabilities and their caregivers through livelihood promotion and sustainable community networks.

The main project activities are scheduled for 19–21 June 2026 at Nong Jong Kham, Mae Hong Son Province, featuring capacity-building activities, cultural performances, inspirational programs, and multi-sector networking to build a society of lasting understanding and opportunity.

APCD reaffirms its commitment to inclusive and collaborative approaches in advancing the rights and quality of life of persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

H.E. Bhanubjatra Jittiang, Thailand representative to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Thailand delivered welcome remarks.

 APCD Representative attended and shared his insights as well as provided recommendations during the workshop, especially focusing on strengthening community and its networks in order to protect persons with disabilities.

Group Photo of Workshop participants and organizers. There were more than 50 persons participated in the event.

This workshop showed commitment among stakeholders on coping disability and trafficking in persons by strengthening regional and national cooperation, community and persons with disabilities.

APCD participated in Regional Workshop on “The Validation of the Zero Draft ASEAN Policy Brief on Disability and Trafficking in Persons”, on 7-8 May 2026, Manila, The Philippines.

APCD Representative attended the Regional Workshop on “Human Rights-Based Approaches to Address Intersectionality of Vulnerabilities in the Context of Trafficking in Persons-The Validation of the Zero Draft ASEAN Policy Brief on Disability and Trafficking in Persons”. 

The workshop aimed to validate of the Zero Draft ASEAN Policy Brief on Disability and Trafficking. The program was scheduled on 7-8 May 2026 in Manila, The Philippines. The workshop was co-organized by ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking and ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

H.E. Bhanubjatra Jittiang, Thailand representative to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Thailand delivered welcome remarks while the opening speeches were delivered by ASEAN high-level officials to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) and Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Philippines.

The workshop was begun by sharing the workshop objectives and agenda overview, then shared the overview of the zero draft policy brief. The participants also were divided in small groups in order to discuss, confirm and validate in details about regional and national recommendations, framing and policy coherence as well as further steps and timeline agreement.

This workshop showed commitment among stakeholders including government, civil society organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities regarding disability and trafficking in persons by strengthening regional and national collaboration, community and persons with disabilities.