A labour shortage, poor science education, duplicate rules and unattractive investment privileges are tipped as major challenges for Thailand's special economic zone development over the next three decades.
Pailin Chuchottaworn, chairman of the Council of the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, said yesterday at a virtual seminar on "EEC towards a smart livable city" that Thailand should brace for the impact of a labour shortage over the next 30 years given the relatively low total fertility rate (TFR).
TFR is the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime.
Thailand's birth rate last year dropped below 600,000 for the first time and took the country's TFR down to 1.51, which is "extremely low".
The World Health Organization and World Bank have said if a country's TFR goes under 2.1, its proportion of elderly will surge and problems associated with migrant workers will rise.
"In light of the Covid-19 outbreaks, Thailand's birth rate is projected to drop below 400,000 this year and is likely to fall further next year," said the former deputy transport minister.
Thailand's birth rate was 1.2 million in 1970. The country's birth rate continued to drop over the past 30 years.
Mr Pailin said he is worried about the extreme decline in Thailand's birth rate because it means labour shortages for the next 30 years.
This low birth rate may affect Thailand's future special economic zone (SEZ) development as the government seeks to mimic the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), he said.
Poor science education is another key obstacle for development as a high technology country because Thailand has yet to tackle this issue seriously, said Mr Pailin.
Thailand's existing laws and regulations have impeded development of high technology, he said, suggesting reducing red tape to facilitate investors.
The country should also improve investment privileges to attract more foreign investment, said Mr Pailin.
However, the development of main infrastructure projects in the EEC is likely to strengthen Thailand's competitiveness in logistics, not only for air but also marine and land logistics.
He said the development of the third phase of Laem Chabang deep-sea port is one example of this bolstered competitiveness.
