On August 30, 2022, at 09.00 hours, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mrs. Bubpha Phanpeng, chaired the commencement of the “Youth Employment in Thailand” meeting, labour market trends, impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, labour policies, and youth support for people-centered rehabilitation in Thailand. The occasion took place at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. She said that the NEETs issue is very important for Thailand’s current economic and social situation. Youths aged 15 to 24 without employment, education, or training, are on a rising trend. In addition, the impact of the COVID-19 crisis has disrupted the Thai economy and labour market. Youths face the problem of unemployment. She said that it is important that we work together to solve the problem by promoting employment for youths to reduce unemployment, including supporting economic, social, and environmental transitions and restoring the Thai economy. As known, Thailand is entering “a fully aged society.” Preparing young men and women to have the skills required in the labour market and productive and rewarding employment is important for the economy’s future and the development of the country and society. Having job skills that don’t align with the labour market’s needs, including ineffective career guidance systems in educational institutions, has resulted in young people facing various obstacles when they leave school and look for work. Young people have difficulty transitioning from school to work and changing jobs. As a result, many young men and women are not in employment, education, or training.
The National Strategic Plan for Human Resources Development has an important goal to develop people of all ages to become good people who are equipped with skills and qualifications. It aims to develop people’s potential throughout their lives, focusing on the qualitative development of people of all ages, to enhance their learning skills to align with the 21st-century context. It strives to develop worker competencies following market demands and to be a force in driving the nation. The Ministry of Labour attaches great importance to promoting employment among young workers by collaborating with organizations, including employers and employees, to protect worker rights and promote decent work. It also aims to develop soft and hard skills, offer career guidance for full and productive employment, and allow people to choose jobs independently. However, solving NEETs cannot be done unilaterally and requires cooperation from all sectors. Today’s meeting was a good opportunity for tripartite representatives to listen to the study’s results, and analyze trends, characteristics, and impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on youth NEETs. It was also an opportunity to discuss jointly ways to support and develop young workers in the future. This includes planning to follow up on youth employment based on the principle of decent work without leaving anyone behind.
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Public Relations Division
