The opening ceremony was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Theerapong Chuaychoo. The event was attended by Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office Chief Sukanya Pho-kaew, heads of government departments, representatives from the private sector and businesses, disability organisations, and people with disabilities from across the province.
Ms Sukanya explained that the United Nations has designated Dec 3 each year as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote the participation of people with disabilities in society and to ensure they have equal opportunities to demonstrate their potential.
She noted that the 2025 theme, ‘Promoting an Inclusive and Accessible Society for Persons with Disabilities to Drive Sustainable Social Progress and Development’, reflects the importance of removing barriers and ensuring access to rights, services and opportunities.
Phuket has organised International Day of Persons with Disabilities activities continuously since 1995, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of the initiative in the province, Ms Sukanya said.
More than 1,000 people took part in this year’s event, which focused on ensuring accessibility and equal support for all types of disabilities. Activities included the presentation of plaques of honour to businesses that comply with legal requirements to employ people with disabilities, certificates of recognition for outstanding disability leaders, and certificates of merit for people with disabilities who have achieved success in their careers.
A licence was also granted to Rawai Municipality to establish a general disability service centre, expanding local-level support for people with disabilities.
In addition, 36 service booths were set up by government agencies, private sector organisations and disability groups to provide information and assistance related to rights, welfare and support services.
Vice Governor Theerapong said the government places priority on sustainably improving the quality of life of people with disabilities, with a focus on vocational skills development, income generation and equitable access to government welfare and benefits.
He said the Phuket Disability Day event demonstrated concrete cooperation among all sectors in promoting the potential of people with disabilities and building a more inclusive society.
Mr Theerapong congratulated people with disabilities and award-winning organisations recognised at the event, and thanked all agencies involved for their collaborative efforts, before officially declaring the Phuket Disability Day 2025 event open.