Employment in Thailand is expected to remain weak next year, with new recruitment limited to only certain industries, including tourism and food and beverages, reports The Bangkok Post, citing research from the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai). The weak outlook has been attributed to the global economic slowdown, which is dealing a blow to the country's economy. Tanit Sorat, vice-chairman of the EconThai, said, “Thailand's employment situation has not significantly improved since the pandemic.” 

Sorat added, “Demand for new workers should come from industries with a high growth potential. In addition to tourism and food and beverages, others include electronics and energy.” he said.

The government is promoting targeted S-curve industries which require highly-skilled workers for the production of new generation cars and smart electronics, for example. But these industries are currently facing a labour shortage.

Separately today, Thailand’s government announced it will raise the average daily minimum wage by 2.37% from 1 January.