A sweeping new survey has revealed that Thailand must fill over 1.08 million high-skilled positions across ten key industries by 2029, a challenge that could shape the nation’s economic future. Conducted by the National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) in collaboration with IRIS Consulting, the findings highlight an urgent need to align education and workforce development with the rapidly evolving demands of the global market. As Thailand grapples with technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and an aging population, the stakes for building a competitive labor force have never been higher.
Critical Demand Across Key Sectors
The survey, which combined qualitative interviews with over 300 organizations and quantitative data from structured questionnaires, paints a detailed picture of Thailand’s labor market needs over the next five years. The 1.08 million high-skilled roles span a range of industries, with significant demand in sectors such as electric vehicles (EV), digital technology, food innovation, and medical services. These industries are seen as cornerstones of Thailand’s ambition to escape the middle-income trap—a persistent economic challenge where countries struggle to transition from low-cost manufacturing to high-value innovation.
Among the most pressing needs are professionals with expertise in electronics, software development, and systems integration for the EV sector, where production cycles have shrunk to just one year. Similarly, digital technology is identified as a linchpin for industrial competitiveness, requiring workers skilled in forecasting risks and leveraging data analytics. The medical field faces a critical shortage of staff, compounded by the need for soft skills like compassion alongside technical expertise. These findings underscore a broader trend: Thailand’s future hinges on a workforce that can adapt to rapid change and global competition. 
Bridging the Skills Gap
At the heart of the survey’s recommendations is a call for closer collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, NXPO President, stressed the importance of reshaping university curricula to match industry needs. “The private sector identifies workforce needs, educational institutions provide the knowledge to meet those needs, and the government supports and coordinates the process” he said. This tripartite model aims to reduce skill mismatches by fostering co-creation, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant competencies rather than outdated qualifications.
Prof. Dr. Surin Khomfoi, NXPO Deputy Director, added that Thailand’s labor market challenges are compounded by external pressures such as geopolitical instability and internal shifts like the transition to a super-aged society, where a growing elderly population strains economic resources. He urged higher education institutions to innovate learning models and emphasize unique strengths. “Education can change lives. If Thai people acquire better skills and incomes, the country can overcome the middle-income trap” he noted, pointing to education as a pathway to broader economic reform.
Industry Insights: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
A panel discussion featuring leaders from high-growth sectors provided deeper insights into workforce readiness and emerging trends. Somkurn Chycilaparungroung, Managing Director of Summit Electronic Component, highlighted the need for Financial Quotient (FQ) and Ownership Quotient (OQ) skills to navigate economic volatility, especially as over 200 electric vehicle brands flood the Thai market. This influx of competition demands workers who can think strategically and manage financial risks.
In the food sector, Kiatkamol Tangngamchit, Vice President of the Thai Future Food Trade Association, called for accelerated innovation and increased investment in research and development to boost global competitiveness. Meanwhile, Mongkol Bumrungdee, HR Manager at Yell Advertising, emphasized the irreplaceable value of the human touch in advertising, alongside a growing reliance on data analytics skills to target audiences effectively.
Tourism, a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, is also evolving. Chalinee Hengtrakulsin, an executive at Simple Creation, observed that post-COVID trends favor quality over quantity, with travelers seeking meaningful experiences. She urged businesses to leverage storytelling and strategic social media engagement to attract visitors. In agriculture, Sanya Phumijit, Managing Director of Nugreen, pointed to a decline in youth participation and stressed the need for skilled, creative thinkers to revitalize the sector.
Sector-Specific Challenges and Opportunities
The survey and panel discussions revealed unique challenges in high-growth areas. Asst. Prof. Dr. Uthane Supatti of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand noted the compressed timelines in EV production, requiring a workforce adept in cutting-edge technologies. Kwanchai Khemanijkul, Traffic Engineering Manager at Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, emphasized adaptability and decisiveness among aviation professionals amid shifting customer behaviors and global crises.
In healthcare, Dr. Nittha Uearareemit, Director of KOON Hospital, highlighted a dire shortage of medical staff and advocated for government support in creating a national genetic database to advance research. Digital technology, described by Dr. Wiroj Sirirattananarak, CEO of Advanced Web Service, as a key driver of competitiveness, demands workers who can anticipate and mitigate future risks. Meanwhile, Pakpoum Mahasith, Founder of Greenrocket, sees agricultural waste as a potential resource for biomaterials, positioning Thailand as a global hub if the right tools, technologies, and skilled professionals are developed.
Economic Implications and the Middle-Income Trap
Thailand’s need for 1.08 million high-skilled workers is not just a labor issue—it’s a critical economic imperative. For decades, the country has been caught in the middle-income trap, unable to transition fully to a high-income economy due to reliance on low-cost labor and limited innovation. The NXPO survey suggests that addressing the skills gap could be a turning point, enabling Thailand to compete with regional powerhouses like Singapore and Malaysia in high-value industries.
However, the scale of the challenge is daunting. With an aging population projected to make Thailand a “super-aged” society by 2030—where over 20% of the population is 65 or older—the working-age labor force is shrinking. This demographic shift places additional pressure on younger generations to acquire advanced skills quickly. At the same time, rapid technological advancements, such as the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, threaten to outpace current training models, leaving many workers unprepared for future demands.
Policy and Collaboration as the Way Forward
NXPO’s commitment to data-driven planning offers a potential roadmap for success. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, the council aims to align national policy with industry needs, ensuring that workforce development keeps pace with economic goals. This approach includes incentivizing universities to prioritize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, as well as soft skills like critical thinking and adaptability, which are increasingly valued across sectors.
Government support will be crucial, particularly in areas like healthcare and agriculture, where public-private partnerships could address systemic shortages. For instance, funding for a national genetic database, as proposed by Dr. Uearareemit, could position Thailand as a leader in medical research, while subsidies for agricultural innovation might attract younger workers to a traditionally undervalued sector.
Looking Ahead: A Race Against Time
As Thailand races to prepare 1.08 million high-skilled workers by 2029, the interplay of education, industry, and policy will determine its success. The NXPO survey serves as both a wake-up call and a blueprint, urging stakeholders to act swiftly in the face of demographic and technological challenges. If addressed effectively, this skills gap could transform into an opportunity to elevate Thailand’s global standing. But with just five years to close the divide, the question remains: can the nation mobilize quickly enough to meet the demands of its future?
