From left to right, Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen, Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou, Mr. Peter Lan, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (front, seated in a wheelchair)

The representatives from APCD (right) discuss with the delegation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (left)

From left to right, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp listen to the discussion

From left to right, Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen, Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou, and Mr. Peter Lan listen to the discussion

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) receives a souvenir from Mr. Peter Lan (left) as a token of gratitude

Ms. Wilailekha Somprach (right) gives information about APCD 60+ Plus Projects to Mr. Peter Lan (center) and Mr. Piroon Laismit (left)

Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (left, seated in a wheelchair) and Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou (right) laugh during the conversation

Mr. Piroon Laismit (left) gives a souvenir to Mr. Peter Lan (right) as a token of gratitude

Mr. Piroon Laismit (left) gives a souvenir to Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou (right) as a token of gratitude

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) gives a souvenir to Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen (left) as a token of gratitude
 

Taiwan's TECO Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to APCD to Strengthen Partnership on Disability Inclusion

Bangkok, Thailand – On 23 July 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), welcomed a delegation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (TECO) to APCD's office.

The delegation was led by Mr. Peter Lan, Representative of TECO, together with Mr. Jerry C. J. Chou, Director of the Political Division, and Ms. Tsai Yi-Chen, Secretary of the Political Division. The visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two organizations and exploring future collaboration in promoting disability-inclusive development.

During the visit, Mr. Piroon held discussions with the delegation on potential areas of cooperation, while also sharing APCD's work and vision for advancing an inclusive society for persons with disabilities. The delegation was also given a tour of APCD's facilities, including the APCD 60+ Plus project.

APCD representatives who joined the meeting included Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of the Community Development Department; Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, Manager of Information & Knowledge Management; and Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Manager of the APCD 60+ Plus Projects. They provided an overview of APCD's initiatives in community development, vocational training, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

APCD expressed its appreciation for the visit and stated that it looks forward to strengthening future collaboration with TECO in advancing an inclusive society for persons with disabilities.

Ms. Paninee Suksaard, Plan and Policy Analyst from Division of Fund and Equality Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), answers a question while the panelists listen

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, answers a question while the panelists listen

Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, President of AMIT, answers a question while the panelists listen

Ms. Paninee Suksaard, Plan and Policy Analyst from Division of Fund and Equality Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), answers a question while the panelists listen

Mr. Boonsri Chakkhluan, Representative of persons with disabilities, answers a question while the panelists listen

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, answers a question while the panelists listen

A male participant asks the panelists a question 

A female participant asks the panelists a question 

A female participant asks the panelists a question 

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, answers a question while the panelists listen
 

APCD Participated in a Panel Discussion on Ability-Based Employment at AMIT’s Heart & Hand: Life Skills Center

On 22 July 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), participated as a panelist at the Heart & Hand: Life Skills Center – A Creative Space for Sharing, Encouragement, and Life Skills Development for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities, organized by the Association for the Mentally Ill of Thailand (AMIT) at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan.

During the session, Mr. Piroon Laismit delivered a presentation on “Looking Beyond Disability and Focusing on the Real Working Skills of Persons with Disabilities (Ability- and Potential-Based Employment)”, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the abilities and potential of persons with disabilities in promoting inclusive employment.

The session also featured Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, President of AMIT; Ms. Paninee Suksaard, Plan and Policy Analyst, Division of Fund and Equality Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; and Mr. Boonsri Chakkhluan, Representative of Persons with Disabilities, who shared their perspectives on disability-inclusive employment.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to exchange views on promoting inclusive employment and reinforced the importance of collaboration among relevant stakeholders in expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left), Mr. Piroon Laismit (right), and Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (front left, seated in a wheelchair)

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) presents souvenirs to Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left) as a token of gratitude

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, listens to the discussion

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat member and secretary of Friends in Need (of "PA") Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross listens to the discussion

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left) speaks with Mr. Piroon Laismit (right)

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (left) speaks with Mr. Piroon Laismit (right)

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, poses for a photo
 

APCD Visited the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross to Discuss Future Collaboration

On 21 July 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, visited the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross for a courtesy meeting to discuss future collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the two organizations.

Mr. Piroon Laismit was welcomed by Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Member and Secretary of the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross.

During the meeting, both organizations exchanged views on future cooperation and discussed opportunities to collaborate in promoting disability-inclusive development and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities through joint initiatives.

APCD expressed its appreciation to the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross for the opportunity to exchange views and discuss future collaboration and looked forward to strengthening the partnership in support of disability-inclusive development.

From left to right, a representative from the Department of Mental Health, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang, a representative from Kasetsart University, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, and a representative from the Department of Mental Health

Mr. Piroon Laismit (left) and Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang (right) exchange a gesture of appreciation

From left to right, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang, a representative from the Department of Mental Health, and a representative from Kasetsart University

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, stands on stage

Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, delivers the opening speech

Mr. Piroon Laismit (right) receives award from Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang (left)

Participants pose for a group photo holding their awards

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, gives an interview a TV show

From left to right, the host of the TV show, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun (seated in a wheelchair), and a producer pose for a group photo

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, introduces the APCD 60+ Plus project booth
 

APCD Attended the Opening Ceremony of the Heart & Hand: Life Skills Center and the 23rd Annual General Meeting 2026

On 21 July 2026, Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), together with the APCD team, attended the opening ceremony of the Heart & Hand: Life Skills Center – A Creative Space for Sharing, Encouragement, and Life Skills Development for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities, held in conjunction with the 23rd Annual General Meeting 2025, organized by the Association for the Mentally Ill of Thailand (AMIT) at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan.

The Heart & Hand: Life Skills Center was established to strengthen life skills, social interaction, and communication skills for persons with psychosocial disabilities while providing a supportive environment that encourages meaningful participation, personal development, and community engagement.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ms. Nuchjaree Klaysuwan, President of AMIT; Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD; and representatives from Kasetsart University and the Department of Mental Health.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives on promoting psychosocial well-being, strengthening community support, and advancing disability-inclusive development. APCD expressed its appreciation to AMIT and all participating organizations for their collaboration and reaffirmed the importance of continued partnerships in promoting independent living, lifelong learning, and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in society.