LocationsBreaking Barriers: Khim Nichakarn’s Journey to Disability Inclusion as Disability Advisor
September 12, 2024
1. Tell us about yourself: What’s your background/professional experience and what inspired you to work with UNDP Thailand?
Hello, my name is Nichakarn Kaveevorayan, but you can call me Khim. I hold a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Liverpool and a bachelor's degree in Education from Chulalongkorn University. Though my academic background might seem unrelated to my current role, it has equipped me with unique perspectives that I apply as the Disability Focal Person at UNDP Thailand.
In my role, I’ve had the privilege of leading the formulation of the Disability Inclusive Development Strategy for the Thailand country office. I’ve collaborated with various partners and projects to advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities through initiatives ranging from promoting employment, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace, to making tourism, sports, and justice systems more accessible for all. I support UNDP staff in integrating disability inclusion into their work by organizing training sessions, offering technical guidance, and connecting them with organizations of persons with disabilities. I also oversee key projects like the “We Are Able” initiative, which promotes employment and employability for youth with disabilities.
My personal journey as a person with a visual impairment has been the driving force behind my passion for disability advocacy. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges such as inaccessible learning materials and non-inclusive educational systems, but with determination and the support of my family, friends, and a few dedicated teachers, I was able to overcome those obstacles.
After completing my Master’s degree, I interned at the Social Innovation Foundation, where I gained firsthand insights into the barriers people with disabilities face in Thailand, particularly in terms of employment and education. Collaborating with colleagues who had different disabilities opened my eyes to the wider issues within the disability community and deepened my commitment to advocacy. Joining UNDP gave me the platform to reach and advocate for a larger group, while also working closely with national authorities to push for more inclusive policies and services.
2. What is a day at the office like?
My day at the office is much like any of my colleagues’, despite being the only staff member with a disability (I am visually impaired). I attend meetings with partners, organize and participate in events, and occasionally go on missions. With the support of a laptop equipped with screen reading software, I can handle document work, send emails, communicate through online chat, and participate in virtual meetings seamlessly. UNDP’s strong commitment to leaving no one behind and its focus on non-discrimination ensure that I’m fully included in all office activities and that my voice and opinions are heard.
3. What are some of the challenges you encountered you have faced in this role and how have you overcome them?
Despite progressive laws and policies, persons with disabilities in Thailand are often left behind due to implementation, societal stigma, stereotypes, and a lack of accessible resources. Public attitudes tend to view persons with disabilities as burdens to society, often through the lens of charity, where they are seen only as recipients rather than active participants in their own lives and decisions.
This perception limits their rights and opportunities to contribute meaningfully. Much of my work focuses on raising awareness and building capacity to challenge these outdated views and promote accessibility and inclusion in all areas of development. This is closely aligned with UNDP’s 2022-2026 Disability Inclusive Development Strategy, which emphasizes equal rights for persons with disabilities. Through capacity building for duty bearers and empowerment of rights holders.
4. Tell us about your favorite moment with UNDP Thailand.
There have been many rewarding moments in my role with UNDP, but my favorites are when I see the impact of my advocacy efforts firsthand. Whether it’s speaking at partner events, joining panel discussions, or organizing capacity-building workshops, I’ve had the opportunity to train and engage with a wide range of stakeholders—media professionals, private sector employers, government officials, those in the tourism sector and university students. Connecting these groups with persons with disabilities and organizations of persons with disabilities, particularly those who have rarely or never interacted with them, has been especially meaningful.
The most gratifying part is hearing their thoughtful discussions about how to incorporate a disability lens into their work and receiving feedback on how these interactions have been eye-opening for them. It makes me proud to know that I have sparked new interest and passion for disability inclusion, helping to foster a more inclusive society.
5. In what ways does this position enable you to contribute to the achievement of an inclusive and sustainable society?
This role allows me to collaborate with persons with disabilities and national partners to promote human rights and inclusion in various development initiatives. By focusing on empowerment, capacity building, and raising awareness, my work helps improve the recognition and participation of persons with disabilities, who are often the most marginalized and left behind. Through these efforts, we enhance accessibility to services, environments, and opportunities, fostering a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued, respected and included.
Shifting perceptions from a charity model to a social and human rights model is key to achieving sustainable development. Improving accessibility in areas such as infrastructure, communication, and services—not only for persons with disabilities but for everyone—ensures that society can thrive in an equitable and inclusive way.
6. How is democratic governance significant to your work in promoting climate action, advancing the rights of vulnerable people, advocating for inclusive and responsive policies or fostering a just and equitable society? And how do you apply a democratic development approach to your work to drive progress in respective areas?
Democratic governance plays a crucial role in my work promoting disability inclusion and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, who are often among the most vulnerable populations. Democratic principles, such as participation, inclusivity, and accountability, ensure that every individual’s voice is heard and that all people, regardless of their abilities, can participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives. In Thailand, persons with disabilities are often viewed as a minority group, yet the National Statistical Office reports that around 6% of the population lives with some form of disability. Despite this significant number, persons with disabilities are frequently overlooked in national policies, underrepresented in participation, and face small financial investments in the disability field.
This exclusion and stigma can often lead to a lack of confidence among persons with disabilities in speaking up for their rights. To counter this, empowering individuals with disabilities and giving them opportunities to speak are essential, and this is where democratic governance comes into play—ensuring that the marginalized are included in decision-making processes and that their opinions are valued.
In my role, I work with UNDP’s parliamentary team, and I’ve had the opportunity to present and advocate for disability inclusion with the sub-committee on budget follow-up, law amendments, and social welfare under the Standing Committee on Social Welfare. One key focus has been on amending the Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act. We are also working to improve the accessibility of digital platforms, allowing persons with disabilities to provide their feedback on draft legislations, thus enabling greater participation in governance.
In applying a democratic development approach, I ensure that consultations, workshops, and panel discussions are inclusive of the diverse disability groups in Thailand. There are seven types of disabilities recognized under the Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act, and I strive to ensure that representatives from each group are present and that there is a gender balance. By doing so, I ensure that all voices are heard and that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to discussions that shape misconceptions and policies affecting them.
7. What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to #JoinALifeChangingMission with UNDP.
If you are passionate about improving lives and making a positive impact on society, and you are ready to challenge yourself, do not hesitate to apply #JoinALifeChangingMission with UNDP. Be part of a team that drives meaningful change and contributes to a better future for all together.
###
The Faces of UNDP Thailand is a series to echo the voice of UNDP staff who support UNDP and the community to advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Give us 3 words that describe UNDP Thailand: collaborative, inclusive, and sustainableNichakarn Kaveevorayan, Disability Inclusion Associate