Khon Kaen University Joins National Conference to Advance Disability Inclusion

23 September 2025
16:46

Khon Kaen University (KKU), led by Professor Dr. Thidarat Boonmas, Vice President for Enterprise and Sustainable Society, participated in the 17th National Conference on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD 2025) on September 22, 2025. Held at Chiang Mai University Auditorium, the conference, themed “Best Practices and Innovations in Creating Educational and Career Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities,” drew over 700 attendees.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University, followed by an opening ceremony presided over by Mr. Chokchai Wichianchaiya, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment and Development of Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities. Associate Professor Prasert Reukganditmongkol, Vice President of Chiang Mai University, delivered the reporting speech.

KKU’s involvement in promoting the quality of life for persons with disabilities aligns directly with its strategic objectives, specifically Strategy 3 of Issue 4, which focuses on supporting and strengthening communities and society. This initiative also connects with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the university uses as its operational framework: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). These connections underscore KKU’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive society.

Professor Dr. Thidarat Boonmas expressed KKU’s pride in being part of this significant national academic forum. She emphasized that the conference represents a collaborative effort among government, private sectors, and communities to create educational and career opportunities for persons with disabilities, enhance their potential, and collectively build a society where everyone can grow equally and sustainably.

The conference program included an academic panel discussion titled “Learn-Work-Live: A Real Model for Sustainable Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities.” It also featured presentations on “Best Practices & Innovations” across three zones: Zone A for Education, Zone B for Employment, and Zone C for Networks/Stakeholders. The event concluded with the handover of the host flag for the 18th National Conference in 2026 to Associate Professor Dr. Siam Charoensri, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi.