Skills are vital for the Kingdom of Thailand’s ability to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world. Countries where people develop strong skills, learn throughout their lives, and use their skills fully and effectively at work and in society, are more productive and innovative. They also enjoy higher levels of trust, better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.
For Thailand, there is an urgent need to adapt its skills system to address persistent skills challenges and adapt to evolving economic and societal needs. For instance, the country should address the quality and accessibility of education, reduce the large share of adults with low skill levels, increase participation in adult education and training programmes, and respond to significant skills imbalances. These challenges are exacerbated by the impact of various megatrends, including demographic change, characterised by a rapidly ageing population, technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, and the green transition.
In light of these trends, the Thai skills system will need to support the development and effective use of a diversified supply of skills to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of a rapidly changing world. People will need to leave formal education not only equipped with the skills to meet current labour market and societal needs but also with the capacity and motivation to anticipate and adapt to future demands. Adults will require opportunities to upskill and reskill to enabling them to perform new tasks within their existing jobs, assume the duties of new roles, and adapt to new modes of work, consumption, and social participation. At the same time, firms will have to adopt more innovative and productive approaches to utilising their employees' skills. Strong governance structures will also be essential to ensure that these efforts are sustainable and impactful.
Thailand has already made significant strides in enhancing its skills system through a series of strategic reforms. Central to these efforts is the National Strategy 2018-2037, which serves as a high-level blueprint for guiding national policies across key policy areas. Aligned with this, the Thirteenth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027) prioritises human capital development, aiming to cultivate a workforce that is adaptable and committed to lifelong learning. Complementing these initiatives are the revised Higher Education Plan for Manpower Production and Development (2023-2027), the Five-Year Investment Promotion Strategy for the New Economy (2023-2027), and the Learning Promotion Act B.E. 2566 (2023), among other initiatives.
Building upon Thailand’s recent reforms and strategic initiatives, this report presents 20 tailored recommendations developed through comprehensive analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement. These recommendations offer high-level strategic policy directions across three priority areas, providing a robust foundation for Thailand to craft its own cohesive skills strategy and implementation plan. By aligning these insights with national objectives, Thailand can ensure a co‑ordinated and effective approach to skills policy over the medium to long term.
The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD member countries.