Addressing the Labour Crisis
To tackle Thailand’s critical labour shortage, the government is implementing a two-pronged reskilling strategy as part of its economic transformation agenda.
The “Kon La Krueng” (Half-Half co-payment scheme) programme targets approximately one million micro-SME vendors, including street food sellers and market traders, teaching them digital skills, online sales, cost accounting, and basic artificial intelligence applications.
Using existing budget funds rather than new debt, the initiative has already demonstrated results, with some vendors reporting sales increases of three to four times their previous levels.
The “Skill Bridge” programme, launched by the BOI, aims to train 100,000 individuals within four months by connecting specific industry demands from modern sectors—such as food processing and automation—directly with training institutions and universities.
This ensures skills taught are immediately relevant to employers, offering workers a pathway to transition from traditional to modern industries.
Alongside the Fast Pass, the government is pursuing a “Regulatory Guillotine” programme to permanently dismantle outdated laws and streamline the investment environment for the long term.
The Finance Ministry is also developing the Thailand Individual Savings Account to encourage public investment in capital markets, aiming to boost liquidity and confidence in the subdued market.