The discussion between Ambassador and the Swedish Agency for Participation.

          On 19 September 2022, Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Sweden, together with Mr. Donrawee Waranon, Counsellor, and Ms. Jenjeera Boonsombat, an officer from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (currently on leave and studying Ph.D. at the Leeds University) met with Ms. Malin Ekman Aldén, Director General, and Mr. Ola Balke, Senior Advisor, from the Swedish Agency for Participation or Myndigheten för delaktighet. Experiences in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities have been discussed and shared.

          The Swedish Agency for Participation was established in 2014, with the objective to promote equal participation of people with disabilities in society. The agency’s main tasks are to collect information and disseminate knowledge in order to promote the work of various sectors in society to achieve the government’s Strategy on People with Disabilities. Sweden issued two strategies to promote rights of people with disabilities; the first strategy was for the period of 2011-2016 (5 years), and the current version for 2021-2031 (10 years). Sweden’s work for persons with disabilities are based on Swedish Discrimination Act and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and having the mindset that everyone is equal as a citizen and should be assisted according to one’s special needs to fully participate in the society.

          The two sides found it useful to learn from one another and will explore for more opportunities to collaborate further.