With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of P’Kate — Teerayut Sukonthawit, Director of the Nonthaburi Independent Living Center for People with Disabilities and a fierce advocate for disability rights.
He was a courageous voice who transformed the conversation about people with disabilities in Thai society — shifting the narrative from “charity” to “rights and dignity.” He championed the Personal Assistant (PA) system, making it known and accessible so that people with severe disabilities could live independently with honor.
His words still echo in the hearts of those who heard them:
“People with severe disabilities — if their parents have money and care for them, that’s good. If not, they are left to survive by karma, living off the backs of others, without dignity, without honor.”
These words reflect the reality he dedicated his life to changing. He refused to leave anyone behind.
🙏 Memorial Service Invitation
📅 April 16-21, 2026
📍 Wat Cholprathan Rangsarit, Pavilion 11
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I had the privilege of working alongside P’Kate for nearly 10 years. Together with our network partners, we pushed for rights to become reality and created meaningful change for Thai society.
Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural way of things. May P’Kate find happiness and having fun in the new world. You will always be remembered!!!
/Saba
April 10, 2026