The Social Development and Human Security Ministry (SDHSM) will set up an organisation to provide assistance to the disabled nationwide.
Minister Adul Sangsingkeo said the agency will take care of people with disabilities in each province.
Pol Gen Adul was speaking after the ministry reported disabled people have worked as volunteers in several provinces. They will be recruited into the new organisation set up by the ministry, he told a meeting of the Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand in Bangkok.
The meeting drew about 400 representatives of disabled people nationwide.
The minister said the organisation will be divided into provincial and local levels.
Adul: Vocational training provided
The provincial arm of the organisation will provide assistance for disabled people in their provinces while the local section will focus on people with disabilities on a smaller scale.
Pol Gen Adul said the agency will provide vocational training for the disabled and also serve as coordinator between them and state authorities to help them with general issues such as issuing ID cards, disability registration, medical treatment and employment.
The ministry and the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department (DEP) will help train the organisation's staff.
Pol Gen Adul said the organisation will be set up under the Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Disabled Persons Act 2007.
Under the Act, the National Commission for Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Disabled Persons, headed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, stipulates the regulations of disability-related organisations, and can also certify or revoke their operations.
Meanwhile, APHT adviser Mayuree Phiewsuwan said the organisation will give the disabled more independence.
"Earlier, the disabled had to mainly rely on the government's help," said Ms Mayuree.
"However, with this organisation, they will help other disabled people gain access to services and various opportunities in society," she added.
Ms Mayuree went on to say that the plight of the disabled has improved as a result of support from the government which encourages the disabled to take a leadership role in their networks.
If organisations or associations are certified as disability service centres, they can seek funds from the DEP for their activities, she added.
Kwanruen Praprik, a representative from the Association of Disabled People in Saraburi, said her association is already certified as a disability service centre.
A former association project to repair 50 wheelchairs was funded by the DEP.
The wheelchairs were later sent to other disability-related networks free of charge.