The Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University (OAS KKU), continues its mission of social devotion by driving the strategic plan for “Skill Development and Career Extension for Persons with Disabilities, Fiscal Year 2026 (Phase 2).” The project targets three strategic pilot areas: Sila Municipality, Ban Dong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), and Daeng Yai SAO. In collaboration with the Khon Kaen Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office (established as Khon Kaen PMJ) and local networks, the initiative aims to enhance the potential of over 80 persons with disabilities, equipping them with vocational skills, income, and a better quality of life under the “Sellable Products” model, supported by the KKU Market online platform.
From 21 to 23 January 2026, Associate Professor Chuchat Kamollerd, D.V.M., Ph.D., Director of the Office of Academic Service, accompanied by Assistant Professor Surapol Nesusin, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Academic Service, led the team to launch the project and organise vocational readiness activities in the three target areas. The Director revealed that Phase 2 is funded by the Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. It operates under the “Higher Education Network for the Development of Potential of Persons with Disabilities,” a collaboration between Khon Kaen University and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT).
“The key goal this year is to transform dependency into empowerment by applying an achievement-based training model to independent careers for 80 participants across three areas: Ban Dong (40 participants), Sila Municipality (20 participants), and Daeng Yai (20 participants). Operating under the concept of ‘Producable, Sellable, and Real Income Generation,’ the project aims to enable persons with disabilities to rely on themselves and sustainably support their families,” stated the Director of the Office of Academic Service.
Launching in Three Areas: Integrating Knowledge, Rights, and Skills
Area 1: Sila Municipality – Building a Prototype City of Opportunity (21 January 2026) The activities commenced at Sila Municipality, presided over by Mr. Pairat Taweewar, Mayor of Sila Municipality. He shared his vision to push Sila City as a prototype for an “Inclusive City” to reduce social inequality. Additionally, Ms. Sophinth Suwannahong, Khon Kaen Social Development and Human Security Officer, emphasised government support, including welfare rights, housing modification budgets, and occupational loan funds, to create a complete living ecosystem. This area will focus on a “Training & Internship” model lasting 3–4 months.
Area 2: Ban Dong SAO – Agriculturally Based Skill Development (22 January 2026) At the Ban Dong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Ubolratana District, Mr. Adisak Waenyai, Permanent Secretary of Ban Dong SAO acting on behalf of the Chief Executive, welcomed the working committee. He highlighted the area’s agricultural strengths, noting that integrating KKU’s knowledge to process agricultural and food products would create added value consistent with the community context and the physical conditions of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, Mr. Poonphot Khemaketkarn, Social Development Officer, Professional Level (Khon Kaen PMJ), delivered a special lecture on “Rights and Laws Worth Knowing” to intellectually equip participants.
Area 3: Daeng Yai SAO – Crafting Handicrafts for the Online Market (23 January 2026) The final visit took place at the Daeng Yai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, focusing on creating community products. Ms. Yaowalak Najaikhong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Daeng Yai SAO, joined in planning support for sustainability regarding venues and networks. Activities included handicraft skill training, such as keychain making, led by speakers from the Ban Hua Thanon Community Enterprise Group, and ice-breaking activities to boost morale led by Mr. Prumon Thiansricharoen, Educator at the Office of Academic Service.
Fueling Inspiration and Expanding Market Channels
A key highlight was the participation of Ms. Kesaraporn Luangchan, Chairperson of the Khon Kaen Wood Wheelchair Furniture Group, as a role model speaker. She shared her experience in overcoming physical limitations to achieve business success, inspiring participants in every area.
To ensure a complete income generation cycle, Khon Kaen University has prepared marketing support by introducing products crafted by participants to the “KKU Market” platform (online market) to expand distribution channels. This reinforces the Office of Academic Service’s mission to bring knowledge to the community for a strong and sustainable sharing society.
