On January 20, 2021, Deputy Labour Minister Prof. Narumon Pinyosinwat revealed that the coronavirus’s spread had affected many companies, which have had to temporarily suspend their business. Some companies have gone out of business, and hundreds of thousands of workers have been laid off, unemployed, or changed careers to survive in the New Normal. Many traditional businesses with in-store sales had to be closed down and converted to online channels to reduce physical contact exposure and use digital communications instead. This has caused workers to take time off to look for other means of income. Many regular employees had to work from home, with extra time, and take on several career roles to earn extra income. It was found that many people have already started doing business online, such as being an online merchant. Some people have opened food stores and deliver food to customers’ homes, for example.
The Deputy Labour Minister went on to say that many professions have already gone online. Plus, learning online is easier, allowing many participants to participate in several online training sessions on different subjects each day. Therefore, the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Skill Development (DSD) who’s main mission is in skill development, has continuously worked on workforce development and improvement to modern training models to meet the needs and add career value for the workforce impacted by Covid-19. The workforce has adapted more in this regard. Online training programs have been available through the Zoom Meeting application, gaining a lot of interest in the training courses. In addition, online training helps the government save money and allow workers to receive more training opportunities.
Ms. Chotiros Khwanmuang (Nuch), aged 40, said that she was one of the business operators that had to close her restaurant selling salad and steak because of the Covid-19 impacts. She shifted to online sales, only accepting online orders via Facebook. Most of the customers had eaten at her restaurant and resided in the same vicinity as the store’s location, so the food could be delivered. However, her income decreased considerably. Therefore, she looked for more products and started selling ceramics online with a live broadcast via Facebook Live. She studied examples from other people who sell products through the live channel. Currently, there is an opportunity to attend training on building a store and selling products online by the Chumphon Office of Skill Development. The training is between January 18-22, 2021, for a total of 5 days. The training covers creating a website to increase sales channels on Lazada, preparing sales principles, expanding customer groups, sales techniques, and presentation of products. Before the training, she could not imagine adding more customers, but after listening to the speakers, it makes it more visible and on how to expand marketing channels. “The training is therefore very useful. I expect to be able to sell more products and earn more income,” said Nuch.
There are many forms of learning, and the DSD has many courses to choose from. Theoretical courses also organize online training courses. Career fields that need to be practiced must be practiced at DSD’s institutes in all provinces. For further inquiries, please contact the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline, press 4, or view training courses at www.dsd.go.th and go to the Training Application Menu.
“From campaigning for people to social distance, wear masks, use alcohol gel and wash their hands, combined with the increased awareness and attention to hygiene, these measures will become habitual. We would like to share our encouragement for both the workforce and workplaces affected by Covid-19. I am confident that everyone will be able to learn and adapt to this new way of life,” concluded the Deputy Labour Minister.
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Division of Public Relations
20 January 202
