On 25 April 2017 at 10.00 at the Chao Phraya Park Hotel in Bangkok, Permanent Secretary of Labour M.L. Puntrik Smiti chaired the commencement of the project to share information on employment and opportunities for the senior population, amongst the ministry’s officers. She shared the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board’s forecast on Thailand fully becoming an aged society, where 2017 has seen an increase of 14.9 percent in the senior population. It is estimated that growth of 20 percent will be reached in 2021 and 30 percent by 2035, whereby each relevant unit would need to promote both full-time or part-time employment to serve the senior population as best as possible.
M.L. Puntrik continued to explain the ministry’s policies, driven by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare which aims to amend legislation on retirement to be 60 years of age from the current 55 years, which will allow for more savings and higher pension returns. The ministry has also created a senior employment center at the Smart Job Center in all provincial employment offices to allow for more channels of senior employment. The Ministry of Labour has studied payment for part-time employment, amendment of relevant legislation and professional training in various curriculums such as the use of technology.
As for senior employment in the public and private sectors, most employees who are still capable of working after retirement often become consultants or have their roles and compensation changed as deemed fit, for both part-time, full-time or project based employment. In some cases, retired workers become lecturers to share their knowledge with the people, or coaches in language and professional skills.
“I hope that all of the ministry’s relevant units take responsibility in helping each other initiate new ideas and help each other by setting clear goals to boost senior employment,” concluded the Permanent Secretary of Labour
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Bureau of Public Relations /
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
25 April 2017
