The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), in partnership with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized a field study visit entitled “Disability Inclusion in the Hotel Industry: From Good Principles to Real Practice” under the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) on Enhancing Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB), held from 23 August to 5 September 2026 at Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana.
The programme brings together representatives from government agencies, organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, and the business sector from India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand to strengthen regional capacity and collaboration in promoting disability-inclusive employment and business across Asia and the Pacific
As part of the programme, participants visited Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana, which served as a practical case study showcasing inclusive employment practices within the hospitality industry. The field study provided opportunities for participants to learn how disability inclusion can be integrated into workplace culture, employee development, and daily hotel operations.
The session opened with welcome remarks and an overview of the hotel’s inclusion journey by Kanin Tangtermpong, General Manager of the hotel.
A key highlight of the programme was a sharing session by Asdang Sukwises, General Manager of Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, and as the Founder of the Hospitality Industry with Disability Initiative, presented “Inclusive Employment for Persons with Disabilities,” sharing practical experiences and business perspectives on creating meaningful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the hospitality sector.
Participants also attended a session on “Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act (Section 33 and Section 35) and the Good Good Product Initiative” delivered by Samrit Anupak, Head of Community Development, Inclusion and Social Affairs – Central Group, highlighting policy frameworks and collaborative approaches that support disability-inclusive employment and sustainable social impact.
The field study reflects APCD’s continued commitment to advancing Disability-Inclusive Employment and Business (DIEB) across Asia and the Pacific and demonstrates how collaboration among governments, organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society, and the private sector can help transform inclusive principles into meaningful action and long-term impact.