The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and spokesperson Mr. Ananchai Uthaipatanacheep revealed that Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul had given great importance and monitored labour issues closely. He referred to news claiming that the unemployment rate in Thailand from March to April 2017 will increase as a result of 550,000 new graduates entering the workforce, 60 percent being Bachelor degree graduates and not from vocational backgrounds. The Ministry of Labour responded to this with data from the Department of Employment which show a current 43,974 vacancies, categorized into most demanded such as manufacturing, assembly, shop staff, sale staff, clerks and administration staff. He said that a portion of new graduates were seeking jobs with the other portion, equipped with the necessary qualifications, prepared to work. In terms of unemployment, he said existed as a result of a mismatch of labour market demands.
Mr. Ananchai continued saying that the Ministry of Labour had set measures to support labour market entrants including the Smart Job Application via smartphone, the Smart Job Center, professional training in educational institutes, monthly job air events, skills assessments in schools and all employment offices, as well as the M-powered Thailand website, a collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Industry which provides holistic skills development services online.
In 2016, the Ministry of Education produced graduates to align with labour market demands. For graduates without the necessary skills, the Ministry of Labour will provide skills development programs before entering the labour market once again.
“The Labour Minister has emphasized for the private sector to be confident in the measures deployed for new labour market entrants, especially new graduates in March. Vacancies can be access through the Smart Job Applications, whereas those seeking additional training to align skills with labour demands, can do so with us,” said Mr. Ananchai.
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations /
Chaninthorn Phettab – News/
22 February 2017
