Bangkok: "Trinuch" has directed the Department of Employment to find alternative positions, fearing that the fighting will increase unemployment. The Minister of Labour expressed concern over the conflict in the Middle East, which could lead to increased unemployment among Thais. He instructed the Department of Employment to prepare over 50,000 job openings and launched the websites 'Thai Jobs' and 'Freelance Workers' as job and career service hubs for the unemployed.
According to Thai News Agency, Labour Minister Trinuch Thianthong expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the economic recession, which could impact unemployment and lead to layoffs, causing hardship for Thai people. In particular, she noted a recent increase in layoffs of workers covered under the Social Security Act (Section 33), projected to rise from an average of 7% annually to a 20% increase of 531,779 workers by the end of 2025. She further projected that layoffs of Section 33 workers would continue at an average of at least 40,000 per month by 2026, driven by factors such as a weak economy, intense competition, the conflict between Israel and the US and Iran, and the increasing use of technology to replace labor.
The Minister of Labour stated that the government, through the Ministry of Labour, has a clear policy to ensure stable and sustainable employment for Thai people under the concept of "Thai people must have jobs." Therefore, the Minister has instructed the Department of Employment to find job vacancies nationwide. Currently, the Department of Employment's system shows more than 54,000 job openings, catering to demand in various business sectors such as sales, administration, and warehousing. The Minister has also instructed the Department of Employment to accelerate the promotion and upgrade the "Thai Jobs" platform to serve as a link between job opportunities for Thai people. This will utilize an AI system to analyze skills and geographical location, enabling Thai people to access jobs that are "the right place, the right time, and match their abilities" free of charge.
Ms. Treenuch stated that, in addition, opportunities for freelance workers are being opened up by having the Department of Employment develop a "Freelance Worker" platform. This platform will serve as a modern, user-friendly, and comprehensive online hub for freelance jobs and services. It will cater to employers seeking workers, freelancers, employees looking for supplementary income, and unemployed individuals with skills in various areas such as video production and editing, product reviews, handicrafts, cooking, sewing, etc. The platform will allow employers and freelancers to communicate and negotiate directly without fees. Popular job postings will be updated regularly. All users must verify their identity through the ThaID application to enhance credibility and security.
Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, stated that the "Freelance Workers" platform also allows users to rate and review employment opportunities, which will be beneficial for other users in making their decision-making. The "Freelance Workers" platform covers a wide range of professions, from graphic design, marketing and advertising, printing/writing/translation, audio-visual production, web and programming, various service jobs, product and food preparation, on-site handyman services, and tutoring in various subjects and skills. This enables people to utilize their knowledge, skills, and abilities to create jobs, careers, and income, increasing job opportunities and allowing employers to find the workers they need. Users can access the "Freelance Workers" service at the website "freelanceworkers.doe.go.th " or through the "freelance worker" application.
The Director-General of the Department of Employment stated that self-employed individuals interested in advertising their work can do so themselves by registering and verifying their identity, presenting their work, and posting their services with details on the "Freelance Workers" platform. Employers can also use the service by registering as an employer, searching for suitable workers, discussing job details, and sending electronic quotations via the system's chat channel. They can then wait to receive the work. Both parties can rate and review each other through the platform's online system.