The Department of Provincial Administration is advancing the "DOPA CARE" initiative, opening spaces at district offices nationwide to help people with disabilities create careers and generate income.
On 5 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, stated that the department prioritizes caring for and improving the quality of life for all citizens, especially people with disabilities and vulnerable groups. The goal is to empower people to be self-reliant with dignity. Believing that all people with disabilities possess knowledge, skills, and potential to work if given appropriate opportunities and support, the department promotes district offices nationwide as spaces for career opportunities by allocating areas for people with disabilities or their caregivers to sell products or services. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to sales channels, increase income opportunities, and strengthen life stability, while respecting rights, equality, and social inclusion.
The Director-General explained that this initiative follows the career promotion guidelines for people with disabilities under Section 35 of the Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities Act, B.E. 2550, and its amendments. As of 26 Oct 2026 GMT+7, the department has opened sales spaces in every district nationwide. So far, 84 people with disabilities or their caregivers have engaged in these areas, offering diverse products and services such as food and beverages, government lottery tickets, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Besides increasing income channels, this also allows the public visiting government offices to directly support the careers of people with disabilities.
For example, in Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi Province, a "District Smiles Market (Market Day)" event was organized at the district office area. This gave people with disabilities, who received career promotion under Section 35, the opportunity to sell agricultural produce, community products, and self-made items to both government office visitors and the general public, helping generate income and expand market reach to more consumers.
Meanwhile, Pho Thong District in Ang Thong Province set up a sales area in the district office hall for products by people with disabilities. They implemented comprehensive career promotion strategies, including publicizing to encourage citizens to support these products, coordinating with the provincial labor office, provincial development office, and local career promotion groups to develop professional skills, improve product quality, and add value. They also integrated collaboration across sectors to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, enabling sustainable self-reliance through career opportunities.
The Department of Provincial Administration will continue to drive the "DOPA CARE" district initiative. People with disabilities or their caregivers interested in participating can inquire at district offices nationwide, preparing their disability ID cards for application. Participation is subject to the specified terms and conditions.
