Thai Deaf Association and DEP Mark 11th World Sign Language Day in Bangkok

The Thai Deaf Association, together with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), is holding the 11th World Sign Language Day and International Week of Deaf People from 26 to 27 September 2026 at The Street Ratchada car park, Bangkok, under the concept "Deaf Rights Are Human Rights". Over the two days, more than 3,000 people are expected to attend.

Origins and Objectives of the Event

The opening ceremony was held on 26 September 2026 at The Street Ratchada, presided over by Ms Sonthaya Boonyaphusit, Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, together with Mr Wityut Bunnag, President of the Thai Deaf Association, and their colleagues. Ms Sonthaya said the Department is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring full access to welfare and social opportunities, with an emphasis on reducing limitations in services, environment and social attitudes, while creating space for organisations of persons with disabilities to propose development approaches that reflect real life.

Mr Wityut added that this year's theme reflects the fact that the rights of deaf people are not a special privilege but a fundamental human right that must be put into practice. Sign language is the foundation for access to other rights, including education, employment and public services. The Association has therefore held this event every September on an ongoing basis to raise public awareness of the issue.

Activities Over the Two Days

The event features sign language performances by schools for the deaf, performances by the winners of a sign-language storytelling competition, as well as exhibitions and stalls run by associations, clubs, network organisations and deaf entrepreneurs. There are also panel discussions linking rights issues to real life, covering education, employment, relationships and access to telecommunications services.

Notable discussion topics include the rights of deaf people under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, access to education for deaf people in Thailand, the origins of sign language in the deaf community, and communication that leaves no one behind in the 21st century, with space for participants to exchange real experiences on language, communication and access to rights for deaf people across multiple dimensions.

This year's event coincides with International Day of Sign Languages and International Week of Deaf People, which the World Federation of the Deaf campaigns for around the week of 23 September every year, to promote the use of national sign languages and create space for deaf people to use sign language with equal rights and dignity to everyone else.

This news will be of interest to event organisers and organisations looking for ideas for social-impact activities, as well as anyone interested in disability rights issues who would like to bring their family to this free weekend event.