The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and spokesperson Mr. Soothi Sukosol shared findings from the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) for 2017 which was surveyed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) from a sample of 137 countries. From the 12 pillars of competitiveness, Thailand was ranked 32nd with 4.7 points, a climb of 2 ranks from 2016 where it was placed 34th with 4.6 points. The improvement showed Thailand’s competitiveness improvements in various areas, especially workforce productivity where it was ranked 65th in 2017, a jump up from its 71st ranking in 2016 and in education where it improved from 62nd place in 2016 to 57th rank in 2017.
Mr. Soothi continued that Thailand’s clear improvements corresponded with the government’s 20-year national strategy and 12th national social and economic development plan (2017-2021). In 2018, the Ministry of Labour has planned methods to excel the 20-year human resource development strategy (2017-2036) and 5-year workforce development plan (2017-2021) by implementing measures in 10 dimensions. This includes 1) preparing the Thai workforce for the 21st century 2) improving the quality of life for informal workers 3) developing the workforce for a Thailand 4.0 4) preventing human trafficking 5) managing migrant workers throughout the system 6) optimizing the management of labour protection 7) adding benefits and upgrade social security services 8) promoting occupational safety, health and working environment 9) strengthening labour cooperation with foreign countries and 10) reforming the Ministry of Labour.
Additionally, he said that Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul emphasized three important topics which are end to inequality, end to unacceptable forms of employment and end to inefficiency. He said that this would improve efficiency and speed for overall better gains for the people.
“General Sirichai has put focus on upgrading the Thai workforce for better productivity and multi-skill capabilities to meet international standards to promote future industries. These efforts will also contribute to the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and other special economic areas in alignment with government direction, which will also add to national competitiveness,” concluded Mr. Soothi
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Public Relation Division/
Chaninthorn Phettab – Photos/
28 September 2017
