ASEAN and PWDs

BANGKOK, July 8 (TNA) - Experts say facilities should be further improved in the society to create more equality and opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The recommendations were aired at a workshop themed “How Thai PWDs should prepare for the ASEAN Community (AC)”, organized by Thailand’s National Office for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NEP), under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, in Bangkok on Monday. The workshop started with a special speech, given by the Thai representative in the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), Dr. Seri Nonthasoot. The speech was then followed by a panel discussion on “ASEAN in 360 Degrees”, during which President of the Thai-ASEAN Association Khunying Laksanachanthorn Laohaphan emphasised the need to provide improved facilities for the PWDs, through technological research, to promote and create equality for all in the region, including the PWDs. Chairperson of Thailand's ASEAN committee on the promotion and the protection of children and women Kanda Watcharaphai, who is also former deputy permanent secretary for social development and human security, stressed the importance for the PWDs to thrive forward to show their capabilities and potential, in parallel with learning about neighbouring countries, namely their cultures and languages. Meanwhile, a staff at the Foreign News Department of Thai News Agency (TNA) called on all parties concerned in Thailand to observe and enforce the legislation and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) and ratified by the Thai government in 2008, to include Thai PWDs in national mainstreams in the lead-up to the formation of the AC by 2015. The staff also suggested that Thai PWDs, like other Thais in the society, learn to cope with the AC in all areas, namely working and language skills, as well as the multi-cultural environment. Over 250 participants attend the event, with relevant sessions, scheduled for July 7-9. (TNA)