Bangkok, 23 February 2018: Global recruitment specialists Michael Page Thailand issued forecasts this week that show a trend in which companies in Thailand are keen to recruit professionals with skills in the areas of e-commerce, bio-technology, robotics, IoT, software development and digital marketing.In addition, the recently released Michael Page Thailand Employment Outlook 2018 forecasts strong demand for professional recruitment in Thailand as well as the ASEAN region. Referencing high regional growth rates, digitalisation of the Thai economy and good momentum for foreign direct investment in Thailand, the national employment levels are off to an encouraging year.Director of Michael Page Thailand Kristoffer Paludan says, “In both 2017 and 2018, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is making a significant impact on recruitment of professionals in Thailand and the ASEAN region.”“2018 will be an exciting year for Thailand as the country moves towards its strategic goal of being a knowledge-based economy. The shift in country priorities signify new employment and upskilling opportunities for Thai professionals. Companies will also consider strengthening their capabilities in digital, software applications and technology in line with Thailand 4.0,” he continues.Part of the surge in demand for professionals with specialist digital skills is a result of the technology disruption trends happening globally. This need for digital skills is observed across industries and levels of seniority in both domestic Thai as well as multinational firms.The government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative has also drawn a lot of attention over the past year around the need for corporations to acquire digital skills. Mr Paludan explains, “This digital wave also includes many companies which we might think of as very traditional or industrial such as manufacturers. But the fact is that these traditional companies in particular are the ones in most need of digital talent as they work to modernise and create efficiencies in their supply chain operations.” Another key employment trend highlighted by Michael Page Thailand is the rising emphasis on recruitment of Thai nationals over expatriates. The report indicates the rise of Thai local talent taking on executive roles in South East Asia, particularly in multinational companies (MNCs). Such executives generally come with distinct traits such as an overseas education, international working experience and previous professional experience in other global firms.Mr Paludan says, “International executives are still hired in certain circumstances where the right talent is not available in the Thai market. This is most commonly seen in very niche industries or specialist skill areas. This is often designed as a complete succession planning strategy where new skills can be imparted to Thai nationals for stronger local management in the future.”Notes to Editors: The Michael Page Thailand Employment Outlook 2018 covers market insights and recruitment trends. Compiled with employment figures from our database in the last 12 months, the report contains in-depth analysis and projections in key sectors such as human resources, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, procurement, supply chain and sales. Download the Michael Page Thailand Employment Outlook 2018 here: https://www.michaelpage.co.th/sites/michaelpage.co.th/files/legacy/Thailand-MP-Employment-Outlook-2018.pdf
