Business Associations Set May 25 Meeting with Labor Minister to Propose 5-Point Labor Shortage Solution

Thirty-six business associations will meet with Labor Minister Julpan Amornvivat on May 25 to submit proposals addressing Thailand's labor shortage crisis. Vibul Suppakropongkul, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, noted that global economic volatility stemming from Iran-Israel tensions threatens Thailand's export, agriculture, and tourism sectors, potentially reducing GDP growth by 0.1-0.8%. While international tensions could create export opportunities for Thai goods, the private sector faces severe shortages in both domestic and foreign workers affecting construction, agriculture, industry, and services. Business leaders are urging the government to separate international conflicts from economic policy decisions, particularly regarding Cambodian workers. "On May 25, we will meet with Labor Minister Julpan Amornvivat to submit our proposals and request that the prime minister review them," said Suchart Chantranakrachai, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries. The labor shortage threatens numerous SMEs. Thailand currently has 3.9 million foreign workers, but approximately 194,000 Cambodian workers have expired work permits. Without resolution, these workers will become illegal laborers, creating security concerns. The government should expedite work permit renewals for all foreign nationals. The five proposals are: 1) Renew work permits for all foreign workers in Thailand; 2) Deny permits for undocumented workers; 3) Reduce procedures and costs for importing foreign labor; 4) Resolve e-Work Permit system issues; and 5) Expand foreign labor sources to include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.