The Deputy Labour Minister invited people with disabilities to participate in the 10th National Skill Competition for People with Disabilities to promote a stable career.
On January 9, 2021, Deputy Labour Minister Prof. Narumol Pinyosinwat reported that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha has the policy to promote vulnerable labour groups, especially workers with disabilities, to have the potential to work and reduce social inequality. Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan is also concerned for workers across the nation, including workers with disabilities affected by the Covid-19 situation. The Ministry of Labour has received orders to expedite support in skills development and promotion to meet the labour market’s needs, consistent with the “Create, elevate and give; uniting Thailand to build a nation” policy. The efforts focus on vulnerable workers in society, providing access to skill development by preparing workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis.
Prof. Narumon added that the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Skill Development (DSD) is the main unit in conjunction with agencies and organizations related to people with disabilities, in organizing the National Skill Competition for People with Disabilities. This time will be the 10th occasion the event is hosted, under the name “Abilympics Thailand 2021”. There are 15 competition categories consisting of 1. Handicrafts, namely, basket weaving, crochet, embroidery, knitting, drawing, and painting. 2. Communication technology, including character design, web page design, print design, studio photography, poster design, document printing using Microsoft Word. 3. Industrial professions such as design, architecture, and construction with computer programs and industrial work design using computer programs and 4. Service occupational groups, namely, basic level women and men’s wear sewing. The event will be open for applications from January 4, 2021 – February 12, 2021, at the Skill Development Institutes and the Skill Development Office in every province.
Eligible applicants must be of Thai nationality and are persons with disabilities according to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s announcement on People with Disability Categories and Criteria No. 2. Applicants must provide the application, their identity card, and a copy of the disabled person’s identity book. The competition will be held on May 7, 2021. Results and awards will be announced on May 8, 2021, at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. Winning contestants will receive a gold medal and 30,000 Baht, silver medalists will receive 15,000 Baht, and bronze medalists will receive 9,000 Baht. There will also be 3,000 Baht consolation prizes.
“In Thailand, there are still many people with disabilities who want access to vocational skills development to raise the level of skill standard to international standards. The goal is to be accepted by the general public so that society can see the value of competence and provide opportunities for people with disabilities to continue their professions,” concluded the Deputy Labour Minister.
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Division of Public Relations
9 January 2021
