Two recent studies reveal some of the jobs expected to be in high demand in Thailand during 2023.

According to Mr Phusit Wonglorsaichon, the director of the aMBA programme at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the following jobs are expected to be in high demand:

1. Tourism pilots, flight attendants, and other related jobs. More people will be needed to fill these positions, especially if Chinese tourists start returning to Thailand.
2. Technology: developers, programmers, data scientists, cyber security, and tech-related jobs. Starting salaries will be as high as 35,000 THB (vs at least 15,000 THB for other undergraduates).
3. Health: physiotherapists for treating office syndrome, fitness/Pilates trainers, elderly care, spa, and onsen-related positions.
4. Digital marketing: content writers, graphic designers, and online salespeople.
5. Finance: accounting managers, CFOs, auditors, analysts, internal auditors, and IPO advisers.

On the other hand, people who need to adapt to new positions are crypto investors, those who work with metaverse, e-commerce, delivery restaurants, and factories.

Another study by Robert Walters, a recruitment agency, found that businesses tend to focus more on digital skills. New skills or job opportunities include:

1. AI/machine learning
2. Data scientists
3. Information security analysts
4. Application developers
5. VR/AR developers
6. 3D engineers
7. Waste management engineers
8. Digital detox therapists

The study also identified the following potential employment trends for 2023, according to private companies in eight industries in Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): 

• Companies in Thailand will focus more on technical skills in technology, such as cybersecurity and digital transformation.

• Employees with leadership skills who have high adaptability, flexibility, and emotional intelligence will be in high demand.

In 2023, employees who change their workplace and have ready-to-use digital skills, which enable them to start work without retraining, are expected to receive about a 15–30% salary increase. At the same time, new graduates or candidates with outstanding potential may expect salary increases of up to 15% from regular employment. In the case of general employees, salaries are expected to rise by an average of 2–5%, and 10–15% for those receiving promotions. 

The competition to hire highly skilled employees will be more intense, especially in the technology, sales, and marketing areas, due to an imbalance in job vacancies and the number of employees available in the market.

British Council Comment

The labour market in Thailand has witnessed a significant shift following the pandemic and there are skill gaps which industries in Thailand are currently looking to fill. 

UK institutions working in the Thai market may consider being more proactive in promoting the abovementioned subject areas to prospective students, especially since students are becoming increasingly focused on employment outcomes.

Source:

1. Career rise-fall in 2023 (Thai) https://www.thairath.co.th/scoop/theissue/2561533
2. 8 careers of the future world (Thai) https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/health/labour/1041236