Thailand faces rising job losses amid global uncertainty; government expands employment support

Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong has cautioned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, combined with a slowing global economy, could continue to weigh heavily on Thailand’s job market, with layoffs showing no signs of abating.

According to official data, job losses among Social Security Section 33 workers reached 531,779 cases by the end of 2025, marking a 20% increase from previous years. Forecasts indicate that layoffs could remain high in 2026, with at least 40,000 workers affected per month, driven by economic weakness, rising global competition, geopolitical risks, and growing automation in the workforce.

In response, the Ministry of Labor has instructed the Department of Employment to ramp up nationwide job opportunities. Over 54,000 positions are currently available across sectors including sales, administrative roles, and warehouse operations. Authorities are also expanding outreach efforts to ensure that affected workers can access these opportunities efficiently.

Digital platforms are playing a key role in connecting job seekers with employers. The “Thai Mee Ngan Tham” (Thais Have Jobs) platform leverages AI to match candidates with suitable roles based on their skills and location. A separate “Freelance Workers” platform provides a centralised space for flexible work opportunities across fields such as design, marketing, writing, media production, programming, technical services, and tutoring. 

Workers must verify their identity via the ThaID system, and the platform allows communication, contract negotiation, and mutual reviews between employers and freelancers. Officials expect the platform to expand income opportunities while helping employers find the right talent efficiently.

At the Job Expo Thailand 2025 held last September, the government unveiled the “Thai Mee Ngan Tham” platform alongside a new salary co-payment scheme aimed at supporting fresh graduates. Under the program, the government will subsidise 50% of a graduate’s salary for one year, while companies participating must report layoffs exceeding 15% of their workforce annually.

However, looking that the current situtation, Thai economy is projected to shrink by 8.5% this year, with current unemployment at approximately 3 million people, potentially rising to 8 million. The government hopes that expanded digital platforms, nationwide outreach, and targeted incentives will mitigate the impact of economic turbulence on the labor market.