Field Visit to APCD by Tokyo Woman’s Christian University and JICA Thailand Office on 7 September 2026.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, delivered welcome remarks and provided background and APCD’s reginal activities to the delegation.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp presented APCD’s mandate, regional initiatives, and approaches to disability-inclusive development.

The Japanese delegation experienced APCD’s welcoming and inclusive workplace, where employees with and without disabilities worked together.

Ms. Thorfan Dechachainimit, Project Coordinator for the DIEB Project, led the delegation on a tour of APCD’s Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB) initiatives at the 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Café and the 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP.

The Japanese delegation visited the Deaf Space at the APCD Training Center and learned how its design supported accessible sign language communication and interpretation.

Students and faculty members from Tokyo Woman’s Christian University joined Ms. Ichigi Akari, Representative of JICA Thailand Office, and the APCD Management & staff Team for a group photograph.

Field Study Visit to APCD by Tokyo Woman’s Christian University

On 7 September 2026, APCD welcomed 16 students and faculty members from Tokyo Woman’s Christian University, Japan, for a field study visit in collaboration with JICA Thailand Office.

The visit provided an opportunity for participants to learn about APCD’s mandate, regional activities, and approaches to promoting disability-inclusive development. Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by a briefing on APCD’s work by Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager.

Tokyo Woman’s Christian University, led by Professor Koji Makino and accompanied by Ms. Ichigi Akari, Representative of the JICA Thailand Office, visited APCD. The delegation, comprising students, professors, and faculty members, visited APCD’s Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB) initiatives at the 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Café and the 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP (Charoen Pokphand Group), one of the Thailand’s largest private companies. They also explored the accessible facilities at the APCD Administration and Training Buildings.

The delegation had the opportunity to observe practical examples of DIB and conducted an interview with the chef of Thai Yamazaki Bakery who is working at APCD 60 plus Bakery by Thai Yamazaki. The interview provided insights into how workplaces can support employees with disabilities, address workplace challenges, and create an inclusive working environment for persons with different types of disabilities.

The program concluded with a knowledge exchange session, allowing participants to share reflections and lessons learned and exchange ideas on disability development. The visit concluded with a Q&A and exchange of views on inclusive development from both academic and practical perspectives. APCD appreciated the valuable opportunity to share experiences and promote continued collaboration with Tokyo Woman’s Christian University.

Activities