By Saowalak Thongkuay
Regional Development Officer
Disable Peoples' International Asia Pacific
Distinguished participants, disability experts from different countries and guests:
It is my great pleasure, Regional Development Officer working for promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities in Thailand and in Asia Pacific countries, to be with all of you today at Topong's Memorial Seminar
Topong: Agent of Change
History of rights of people with disabilities in Thailand can be roughly traced back to 1981 in International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP), the same year that Topong graduated from Royal Military Academy. He became disabled in 1986 during the implementation of the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons during the UN Decade of Disabled Persons in 1983-1992. The Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons Act has been enacted in 1991 as the first-ever disability law in Thai history. Again, the same year Topong was promoted to be the president of the Association of the Physically Handicapped. As the result of this Act, disabled persons and their organizations have been strengthened significantly.
There were 3 personal conditions after becoming person with disabilities to live his life.
Regarding to 3 conditions Topong, agent of Change, was important pillars of the disability movement in the Asia-Pacific region who spent mostly 24 hours a day working, thinking and breathing disability issues. He was a key and outstanding person for all disability movement such as accessibility campaign, drafting new constitution e.g. He also utilized his amazing talents to encourage and empower young leader and women with disabilities. His commitment and dedication had never been changed. Besides, he was really honest and clean. I remembered the first mission to India, also my first time going aboard and work with. We visited self help group in Hyderabad I learnt how he was smart/ gentle but humble to everyone.
Topong: Role Model
1993, I firstly saw Topong on TV program talking about disability and environment with a good background of knowledge that was absolutely new concept. I was wondering and kept it in my mine because that time I just became disabled. His concept totally influence over me since then. I tried hard over the years to proof his concept during my hardship I always recalled to him and I believed I could start the new life as he did. Before he passed away he told me "please be yourself you are not Topong so you have your own character and style being RDO". This is a leader spirit.
Topong: Tacit Knowledge Creative
He was a life long learning person since he decided to live his live he started to learn from single disability and expand to cross disability. He also established his Identity, doing full time movement and has a clear goal setting. Over the years working for disability movement he found inequitable, inequality, social injustice and discrimination. He always had an informal knowledge transfer to other via email or personal talk
Topong: Voice of Our Own
He was appointed to be RDO since 1999 for Disable peoples' international Asia Pacific region (DPI-AP) he dedicated himself for the rights and equal opportunities for all. He kept working until last minute of his life. He went to Bangladesh, again, for Capacity Building of Southern Disable Peoples' Organization in Bangladesh. His image and activities attacked many persons with disabilities and stakeholders.
It is very difficult for all of us to forget about him. I, therefore, would like to thank his family for the contribution and dedication thought the disability movement. However, we, especially DPI/AP, will continue what he has not done for full participation and equality for all citizens. May he rest in peace and his story will inspire someone to live life more valuable.
Thank you
Last Updated : 22 September 2007
