Thai Tourism Thrives: JobThai Reports Demand for Over 2,300 Workers in the Tourism and Hotel Sector
Currently, the tourism sector is a key driver of Thailand's economy. In 2018, Thailand generated over 2 trillion baht in tourism revenue, with more than 38 million international tourists visiting the country, marking a 10% increase compared to 2017 (Source: Tourism Statistics 2018, Ministry of Tourism and Sports). As the number of tourists visiting Thailand rises, the demand for labor in the tourism and hotel industry has also increased.
Ms. Saengduen Tangthamsathit, co-founder and CEO of JobThai, stated that JobThai has compiled and analyzed job data in the tourism and hotel sector for March 2019, revealing a demand for 2,309 workers. The top five job categories with the highest demand are as follows:
1. Sales: A total of 131 positions are available, with the most sought-after role being:
- Tour Package Sales Staff: Responsible for contacting customers to present sales offers, organizing promotional activities, discounts, and advertising to stimulate sales. Applicants should be proficient in using the Internet and social media platforms such as Line and Facebook, and should be able to communicate in English or a third language. The average salary is approximately 15,000-35,000 baht (excluding commission).
2. Interpreters/Guides/Room Reservations/Ticketing: A total of 122 positions are available, with the most sought-after roles being:
- Tour Operation Staff: Responsible for organizing travel programs according to customer objectives and coordinating with related parties such as accommodations and restaurants to provide pricing to customers. Applicants should be able to communicate in English or a third language such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or European languages. The average salary is approximately 13,000-25,000 baht (excluding commission).
- Reservation/Ticketing Staff: Responsible for contacting hotels to reserve rooms, entering pricing and hotel information into the company's online sales system, and providing ticket reservation services for both domestic and international flights. Applicants should be proficient in ticketing software such as Seber (Amadeus), Abacus, Galileo, and should be able to communicate in English or a third language. The average salary is approximately 15,000-24,000 baht (excluding commission).
3. Food and Beverage: A total of 99 positions are available, with the most sought-after roles being:
- Waitstaff: Responsible for welcoming guests, serving food, and preparing the dining area for guests. Applicants should have a passion for service, good interpersonal skills, be able to work shifts, and communicate in English. The average salary is approximately 10,000 baht (excluding service charge).
- Chef: Responsible for preparing food according to the restaurant's menu, preparing ingredients, checking stock, and maintaining order in the kitchen. Applicants should have culinary skills and knowledge, a good personality, be proficient in English, and possess creativity. The average salary is approximately 10,000-15,000 baht.
4. Accounting: A total of 65 positions are available, with the most sought-after role being:
- Accounting Staff: Responsible for managing documents related to income and expenses, general trading, summarizing monthly taxes, issuing tax invoices, and preparing bills for customers. Applicants should be able to use accounting software such as Winspeed, Star ACC, Senior Soft, Express, and have knowledge of tax and labor laws. The average salary is approximately 12,000-35,000 baht.
5. Technical Work: A total of 35 positions are available, with the most sought-after roles being:
- Electrician: Responsible for overseeing electrical systems and assessing safety in electrical installations. Applicants should have knowledge and skills in using control equipment and hold relevant training certificates.
- Maintenance Technician: Responsible for maintaining machinery, electrical systems, and plumbing in buildings, as well as providing services to repair damaged wiring and light fixtures. Applicants should have knowledge and skills related to technical work, including installation and maintenance of machinery and equipment. The average salary is approximately 11,000-15,000 baht.
Overall, it is expected that the demand for labor in the tourism and hotel sector will continue to grow due to several positive factors, including Thailand's tourism season with the Songkran festival attracting tourists, as well as government measures to stimulate tourism and campaigns promoting travel across Thailand, including visits to secondary cities. All these factors significantly boost labor demand.