5 key industries need 3.2mn workers in 3 years
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It is unavoidable for Thailand to bring in foreign workers, to satisfy domestic demand, said Udom Wongviwatchai, director-general of the Industrial Economics Office.
He said that during 2015-2017, five key industries - food and beverages, textile and garments, electrical and electronic appliances, automobile and parts, as well as machinery - should need upto 3.27 million workers, assuming Thailand's economic growth at 4 per cent per annum. He noted that the number is high as Thailand's unemployment rate is at 0.6-0.7 per cent, while the ageing population is growing.
He noted that aside from the import of workers, in the short term there should also be training programmes to boost the workers' productivity. In the medium and long term, manufacturers should be encouraged to invest more in machinery and educational policies should be designed to satisfy market demands.
Of all the five industries, those in the food and beverages are expected to need upto 1.31 million workers during the period.
