The Disabled Characteristics Required by Agriproduct Processing Industry in the Upper Northern Part of Thailand

This research utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approach or so called ?mixed research methodology?. It aims to explore employing conditions of the disabled in the north of Thailand in agriproduct processing industry. Those companies- with more than 100 employees- are the population as it is required by laws to employ the disabled in the ratio of 100:1. The total number of sample are 13 companies which shows different attitudes toward employing the disabled. The majority of respondents are companies from frozen fruit and vegetables industry (46.20%), and there is 53.80% of those complied with employing the disabled laws. 84.60% of companies hires persons with mobility disability and those were assigned operational responsibility suitable for type of disability. The disabled received the minimum wage per day of 300 Baht (USD 10.00 per day) as the non-disabled receives. Only evidence shows little adjustments in the working environment to facilitate the disabled because companies prefer not to pay higher cost. In addition, companies has no preference on gender, age, educational background but prefer the disabled with professional training (23.10%). The preferred characteristics are the employees (disabled) who are responsible, able to learn and complete their task, loyal and be able to work with others.