Central Thailand Diocese of Nakhon Sawan marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities with local government to promote persons with disabilities in leadership role for an inclusive and sustainable future, underscoring the theme of Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.
Although the global observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities officially falls on December 3, this year, the diocese marked the occasion on December 23 together with the provincial authorities celebrating the day with the global theme: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.
Fr. John Baptist Rangsiphol Pleanphan, Secretary of the Diocese, attended the commemoration and shared his thoughts with LiCAS News. He pointed out the challenges that persons with disabilities often face in accessing leadership positions, stating, “Persons with disabilities rarely access leadership roles in many sectors. They commonly face numerous barriers, such as discrimination, stigma, and exclusion from education and employment opportunities.” He emphasized the importance of creating governance systems that ensure everyone has the opportunity to be heard and represented.
Fr. Rangsiphol further explained that the event’s theme highlights the fundamental principles of participation, representation, and inclusion, calling for persons with disabilities to shape the conditions of their own lives actively.
“This is a call for empowerment, allowing them to contribute to the decisions that affect their future,” he added.
The event also saw the participation of the Disabled Quality of Life Development Club of Nakhon Sawan Diocese, which also provided complimentary “St. Mary’s Coffee” to attendees. The celebration was also marked by the presence of various groups, including the Blind Club, Caritas Thailand, and other disability support organizations.
Additionally, health check-ups were provided to the participants, further promoting accessibility and well-being for all.
Fr. Rangsiphol expressed his joy in meeting various groups and individuals involved in the event. He shared, “As we are celebrating Christmas with love, joy, and peace, and begin the Jubilee 2025. It is therefore important to realize that the happiness of the disabled is our happiness,” emphasizing the importance of God’s love by fostering a sense of community and mutual support for people with disabilities.
The Diocese’s event underscored the theme of Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope by embracing the critical need for inclusive policies and societal structures that empower persons with disabilities with the hope to take on leadership roles, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
Since 2007, Thailand requires public and private companies to provide employment to at least one person with disability for every 100 employees. Failing that the companies must contribute to a public Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities fund.
In many countries in Southeast Asia, providing support for persons with disabilities often faces obstacles in local culture where disability can be understood as an “earned” personal curse due to actions in past or present lives.
