The relaxation of lockdown measures has allowed most businesses to resume normal operations, particularly those related to services, transportation, and IT, which are signaling an increased demand for labor.

         Data from the Thai National Statistical Office's survey on employment conditions reveals that in March, over 392,000 Thais were unemployed, and there is a forecast from three institutions (the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers' Association) that 7 million employees may lose their jobs by June due to business closures, impacting workers earning less than 20,000 baht per month.

        Meanwhile, data from JobsDB (Thailand) indicates that the overall job demand across Thailand from March to May, during the COVID-19 pandemic, affected most businesses, leading to increased unemployment. However, as of the end of May, there are signs of increased hiring in five business sectors:

1. Logistics: Increased by 23%

2. Real Estate: Increased by 13%

3. Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations: Increased by 6%

4. Insurance: Increased by 5%

5. Wholesale and Retail: Increased by 2%

      Ms. Pornlada Decharatwiboon, Country Manager of JobsDB (Thailand) Co., Ltd. stated that the business sector still has a demand for labor, and the job application rate has increased by 20% compared to April, indicating a recovery in the situation.

       "The overall demand for workers across Thailand from March to May 2020 shows that the IT sector has a high demand for workers as many organizations adapt to the New Normal and fully align with the digital era. Meanwhile, manufacturing and distribution businesses are preparing to welcome back employees as signs of improvement emerge."

        However, five sectors have seen a decrease in job postings due to the impact of COVID-19, including Tourism, Hospitality and Catering, Construction and Architecture, Automotive, and Engineering and Building Control.

        For job seekers, in May, the number of job applications increased by 20% compared to April, with significant growth in four business sectors:

1. Trading and Distribution: Increased by 32%

2. Chemicals, Plastics, Paper, Petrochemicals: Increased by 13%

3. Information Technology: Increased by 10%

4. Food and Beverage, Catering: Increased by 2%

Additionally, the top five job sectors in demand among applicants are:

1. E-commerce: Increased by 75%

2. Sales, Customer Service, Business Development: Increased by 3%

3. Accounting: Increased by 3%

4. IT: Increased by 3%

5. Marketing and Public Relations: Increased by 2%

          The data indicates that the demand for labor in May has begun to recover again following the Phase 3 lockdown easing. The increase in employment will drive income for the population and boost domestic purchasing power, allowing the Thai economy to gradually recover and move forward.

Thank you for the information

The National Statistical Office, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society

and JobsDB (Thailand)