New research by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has identified key gaps and opportunities to upskill and reskill young workers in Thailand’s construction sector. On 7 October 2025, government officials, industry leaders, academic representatives, and workers’ organizations convened in Bangkok to review and provide feedback on the initial findings. The study focuses on developing industry-led digital and green skills training and apprenticeship programs for workers aged 18–29, with the full report expected by December 2025.
This initiative is part of the ILO’s Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN project, funded by the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labour and implemented in collaboration with the National Institute of Development Administration, the Thai Constructors’ Association, the Department of Skill Development, and other stakeholders. Participants emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the digital and green skills necessary to secure decent employment and contribute meaningfully to society.
Hochul Shin, Chief Technical Advisor to the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme, highlighted the initiative’s goal of creating more decent digital and green jobs in Thailand’s construction sector and called for active participation from the government, labor organizations, and employers to benefit youth. The project addresses dual pressures in the sector: international regulations to reduce environmental impact and the need to boost productivity and cut costs through digital innovation. Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Plan aligns with this effort, aiming for increased renewable energy use, improved energy efficiency, effective waste management, carbon neutrality by 2050, and net-zero emissions by 2065.
Industry leaders, including Siriwan Romchatthong of the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand and Paratthakorn Nilapan of the Thai Contractors Association, emphasized that the ILO project highlights existing skills gaps and opportunities for collaboration among stakeholders. The research is expected to inform the design of responsive training programs and regional skills standards, supporting a sustainable and inclusive transition in Thailand’s construction industry.
Lars Johansen, Deputy Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, noted that the construction sector must adopt low-carbon practices while addressing critical labor shortages. The findings from this initiative will serve as a foundation for equipping young workers with the skills required to navigate these challenges and contribute to a more productive, sustainable, and resilient industry.
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