TİKA Provides Exemplary Collaboration for People with Disabilities in Thailand

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), has completed a significant technical equipment support project for the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD).

As part of the project, coffee-making equipment and digital office equipment—such as computers and video conferencing systems—were delivered to improve the vocational skills of individuals with disabilities, support their participation in socioeconomic life through barista training, and ensure the effective operation of the APCD headquarters, which develops projects to provide vocational training for people with disabilities in Thailand and the wider region.

Thanks to TİKA’s support, individuals with disabilities working at the ’60+ Plus Bakery & Café’—a café and restaurant chains in Bangkok operated under APCD—will have the opportunity to further their vocational training and engage more actively in the workforce.

APCD, a regional center operating under the patronage of the Thai Royal Family and recognized by the United Nations ESCAP, plays a leading role in empowering persons with disabilities and promoting inclusive development in collaboration with more than 30 countries.

The handover ceremony was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Bangkok Julide Kayıhan; TİKA’s Head of the East and South Asia, Pacific, and Latin America Department (DOGAL), Dursun Ali Yaşacan; APCD Executive Director Piroon Laismit; Deputy Director-General of TICA Arunee Hiam; and individuals with disabilities who are undergoing training and working at APCD centers.

This support from TİKA will help APCD strengthen its collaboration with regional networks, encourage the active economic participation of persons with disabilities, and contribute to achieving inclusive development goals.