The Operations of the Association are divided into the following departments:

1. Sign Language Interpreter Department Sign language interpreters are individuals who help deaf people communicate by translating from sign language to spoken or written language in various situations. Currently, the Association has 3 permanent sign language interpreters, which is insufficient to serve deaf people nationwide. National Department of Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities (DPW) Arrange for registration of sign language interpreters based in Thailand. And there is a budget allocation for sign language interpreter services to various provinces. Through the Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office (PMO) for in Bangkok Designate the Deaf Association of Thailand as the agency for providing sign language interpretation services in the Bangkok area.

2. Member Services Department
The association serves as a central hub for exchanging information for the deaf community and also provides assistance and advice on various matters. The responsibilities of the Member Services Department are as follows:
2.1   Create a member registry, recruit and issue membership cards
2.2   Job placement services
2.3   Sign language interpretation services to assist in communication in various situations, such as meeting with doctors, meeting with police, etc.
2.4   Provide training to educate members, such as computer training
2.5   Disseminate useful information to deaf individuals through the Silent World newsletter, news videos, and organize member meetings
2.6   Provide counseling and advice services to deaf individuals and families of deaf individuals facing issues

3. Art/Video Department
The nature of the work involves producing artistic media in the form of print and video images for the benefit of deaf individuals, such as recording meetings, seminars, and creating sign language news videos for general dissemination to the deaf community.

4. Sign language
4.1 The operation of disseminating basic Thai Sign Language involves deaf experts teaching sign language, collaborating with various organizations that offer sign language training programs for their personnel.
4.2 Research and investigation of sign language, due to deaf individuals from different groups having communication difficulties because sign language varies by region. Some educational institutions have adapted sign languages from other countries. Therefore, to establish a national sign language communication standard, research and investigation of sign language have been initiated. This involves using local language data and adapting it according to sign language principles and facial expression language. The research is conducted by deaf individuals who understand feelings and can excellently interpret the meaning of each gesture. Currently, they are collaborating with Ratchasuda University to participate in sign language vocabulary seminars, such as social language, professional sign language, and computer-related sign language, among others.

5. Vocational Training Division (Currently Closed)
The association established a vocational training institute for the deaf in 1981, aiming to provide vocational education and training to deaf individuals who did not receive formal education. The institute offered training in various skills such as woodworking, painting, garment tailoring, and silk-screen printing. Currently, the institute has been renamed to the "Vocational Training and Development Center for the Deaf" under the association’s management. Additionally, the center sent deaf members to receive vocational training with both governmental and private organizations, focusing on the needs and suitability of the individuals. At present, the Vocational Training and Development Center for the Deaf has ceased operations as it is in the process of securing funding.

6. Performance Division (Currently Inactive, but May Reassemble for Special Events)

The Deaf Performers Promotion Project was established with the objective of using deaf performing arts as a medium to deliver knowledge and entertainment to the community. In addition to fostering understanding between the deaf and the general public, the project also aimed to promote careers and generate income for deaf individuals.

 

Currently, the project has not been successful due to budget constraints and the lack of rehearsals and performances, as participants need to focus on earning a livelihood.

Target Groups for Services

1. Deaf members throughout Thailand

2. Schools for the deaf

3. Relevant governmental and private organizations

4. Disability organizations, both domestic and international

5. Families of deaf individuals

6. All registered persons with disabilities who are deaf

Sources of Funding / Resources

1. Membership fees

2. Revenue from the sale of charity lottery tickets for the deaf

3. Funding from projects by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

4. Donations from benefactors and private organizations​

5. Swedish International Foundation for the Assistance of Persons with Disabilities SWEDISH ORGANISATION OF HANDICAPPED INTERNATIONAL AID FOUNDATION (SHIA) and The Swedish National Association of the Deaf SWEDISH ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF (SDR) (Currently, the assistance has ended according to the project's timeframe) 

Development Approach/Plan

1. Publishing and Publicizing Thai Sign Language Books Project

   Currently, deaf individuals face communication challenges due to limited proficiency in reading and writing Thai. Moreover, very few hearing people can communicate with the deaf using sign language. Additionally, there is a shortage of sign language interpreters to assist deaf individuals in accessing services from both governmental and private sectors. To promote Thai Sign Language, foster its use within the community, and bridge the communication gap between the deaf and the general public, the association initiated the Publishing and Publicizing Thai Sign Language Books Project. This project aims to produce and distribute Thai Sign Language books to facilitate learning for the general public, illiterate deaf individuals, families of the deaf, and organizations related to the deaf community. The project had a duration of three years (1998–2000) and sought support and collaboration from the Japanese Federation of the Deaf.

2. World Deaf Leadership Program (Currently Inactive)

   This was a three-year ongoing project in collaboration with Gallaudet University, Ratchasuda College, and the Association of the Deaf of Thailand, with funding support from the Nippon Foundation of Japan. The program aimed to train and empower deaf leaders in Thailand to actively participate in community activities in economic, social, and political spheres. Additionally, it sought to enhance vocational training opportunities for other deaf groups.