On 30 January 2026, at the Multipurpose Area of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Associate Professor Chuchat Kamollerd, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University, represented the University President at the press conference launching “The Project to Expand the Higher Education Network to Develop Potential for Employment Among People with Disabilities, through the KMUTT Training-Internship Model, Phase 2.”

 

        The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Sonthaya Boonyaphoosit, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP). She emphasised the significance of the programme:

           “This project drives the policy MSDHS Near You, DEP Near Home, which aims to transition from welfare provision to establishing rights and equality. It is designed to develop people with disabilities into high-potential human resources capable of contributing value and productivity to the nation with dignity as Thai citizens.”

          Khon Kaen University’s participation in this programme reflects its commitment to the Social Contribution mission, encompassing academic service to society. KKU is one of nine leading higher education institutions collaborating with KMUTT, the model institution, to tangibly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities nationwide.

Regarding KKU’s role in Phase 2 of the programme, the Office of Academic Service implemented the curriculum titled “Development of Skills and Enhancement of Employment for People with Disabilities in Khon Kaen Province,” which featured the following key elements:

• Focus on Sustainable Independent Occupations: Recognizing limitations in corporate employment opportunities within Khon Kaen Province, the University prioritised developing independent vocational skills to promote self-reliance among people with disabilities in their local areas.
• Local Collaboration and Targets: The implementation was conducted in collaboration with three local administrative organisations (LAOs): Sila Subdistrict Municipality, Ban Dong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, and Daeng Yai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, involving a total of 80 participants.
• Knowledge Integration: Instruction was provided through two main curricula: Community Handicrafts (covering practical sewing and online sales) and Safe Agriculture. This effort involved integrated cooperation from various faculties, internal KKU agencies, and external networks.

The aforementioned project received funding support from the Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to ensure the efficient achievement of its objectives.

Associate Professor Chuchat added that Khon Kaen University stands ready to support participants in forming community enterprises to ensure continuity and sustainability. This commitment aligns with the mandate of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which aims to reduce inequality and create support systems that enable people with disabilities to stand proudly as valued members of the labour market.

This initiative not only creates vocations but also provides a nurturing space for learning and social inclusion, which helps enhance the self-worth of people with disabilities. This approach is consistent with the principles of sustainable development and the core concept of “Leaving No One Behind.”