Companies in Thailand are keen to recruit professionals with skills in the areas of e-commerce, biotechnology, robotics, IoT, software development and digital marketing, says global recruitment agency Michael Page Thailand.
The company's recently released employment outlook for 2018 forecasts strong demand for professional recruitment in Thailand and throughout Asean.
With high regional growth rates, the government's digital push and strong momentum for foreign direct investment in Thailand, national employment levels are off to an encouraging start this year.
"In both 2017 and 2018, foreign direct investment is making a significant impact on recruitment of professionals in Thailand and the Asean region," said Kristoffer Paludan, director of Michael Page Thailand.
"2018 will be an exciting year for Thailand as the country moves towards its strategic goal of being a knowledge-based economy. The shift in country priorities signify new employment and upskilling opportunities for Thai professionals. Companies will also consider strengthening their capabilities in digital, software applications and technology in line with Thailand 4.0."
Part of the surge in demand for professionals with specialist digital skills is a result of the technology disruption trends happening globally. This need for digital skills is observed across industries and levels of seniority in both domestic and multinational firms.
The government's Thailand 4.0 initiative has drawn a lot of attention over the past year to the need for corporations to acquire digital skills.
"This digital wave also includes many companies which we might think of as very traditional or industrial such as manufacturers," Mr Paludan said. "But the fact is that these traditional companies in particular are the ones in most need of digital talent as they work to modernise and create efficiencies in their supply chain operations."
Another key employment trend highlighted by Michael Page Thailand is the rising emphasis on recruitment of Thai nationals over expatriates.
The report indicates a rise of Thai local talent taking on executive roles in Southeast Asia, particularly at multinational companies.
Such executives generally bring to the table an overseas education, international working experience and previous professional experience in other global firms.
"International executives are still hired in certain circumstances where the right talent is not available in the Thai market," Mr Paludan said.
