Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, (ตรีนุช เทียนทอง) Minister of Labour, has unveiled her vision for Thailand’s workforce over the next ten years, stating that the labour landscape—both in Thailand and globally—will undergo profound transformation driven by three major forces: the transition to a fully aged society, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in production systems, and the shift towards a green economy.
The Minister cited data from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), which indicates that Thailand will face a scenario of “fewer workers carrying a heavier burden,” as the working-age population continues to decline. By 2035, more than 30 percent of the population will be aged over 60, resulting in a fundamental restructuring of the labour market, with older workers becoming the core workforce of the country.
The shortages in low-skilled and physically demanding jobs will intensify, as fewer Thai workers are willing to take up such roles. Consequently, Thailand will need to rely more heavily on migrant workers. She warned that future labour import policies must be clearly defined, as demand for foreign workers could increase by more than 50 percent compared to current levels.
Recently, younger generations are increasingly choosing flexible work arrangements or multiple jobs, reflecting the expansion of the gig economy. Employment is expected to shift away from traditional manufacturing and agriculture towards the service and high-technology sectors. Among these, service industries—particularly health and wellness tourism and elderly care—are projected to generate the highest levels of employment.
In the industrial sector, factories are expected to transition almost entirely to automated systems, with remaining workers required to possess advanced technical skills to operate and manage machinery. Meanwhile, agricultural labour is forecast to decline by around 1 percent annually, as the sector moves towards smart farming, utilising drones and AI-driven management systems.
The Minister also cautioned that administrative roles, data entry, basic accounting, and repetitive customer service functions face a 20–25 percent risk of displacement by AI. She stressed that future workers must develop multi-skilled and higher-level competencies to remain competitive.
To prepare the Thai workforce for these changes, the Ministry of Labour will host “JOB EXPO THAILAND 2026” from 16–18 January 2026, 10.00–19.00 hrs, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 5–6. The event will offer more than 500,000 domestic and overseas job vacancies, alongside skill development activities, vocational training, and comprehensive employment support, complemented by exhibitions on fashion, food, arts, entertainment, and interactive workshops.
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