Open up reserved jobs

The recent mass arrests of over 2,000 undocumented foreign workers — including 1,289 Myanmar nationals, along with Cambodians, Lao, Vietnamese, and others — have spotlighted a pressing issue in the labour market.
These workers face charges not only for illegal entry but also for taking jobs legally reserved for Thai nationals, such as travel agents, tour guides, delivery personnel, and vendors.
This incident highlights the growing tension between the need to protect jobs for Thai citizens and addressing labour shortages in areas where locals show little interest in working. In light of rapid demographic and economic shifts, it’s time for Thailand to review these job restrictions and align its policies with the current reality.
As Thailand approaches a full-blown ageing society, the need for labour is intensifying, particularly in industries where jobs remain unfilled.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has defended the ministry’s position, emphasising adherence to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards that advocate equal rights for both Thai and foreign workers.
But with an increasing labour shortage and heightened competition in various sectors, the country must assess how best to balance local employment opportunities with the need for foreign labour.
Forty jobs are currently designated as “reserved” for Thai citizens, including 27 which foreign nationals are barred from taking entirely.
Yet loopholes persist, as foreign nationals are increasingly operating as independent contractors or employers, managing their own businesses in large urban fresh markets, a trend that has blurred the lines on job exclusivity.
These developments call for a constructive re-evaluation of job restrictions to align with Thailand’s present-day economic needs and challenges.
The root issue here is not simply one of national pride or labour control. It’s about responding to economic and social needs with pragmatic policies.
The government and Labour Ministry should consider re-evaluating the list of Thai-reserved professions. This approach would both prevent resentment toward foreign workers and foster an environment where foreign labour can be a complement to local industries, especially in sectors experiencing high demand and labour shortages.
The Labour Ministry’s adherence to international labour laws to ensure equal treatment for foreign and Thai workers is essential. However, simultaneously, the ministry and the government must consider ways to improve the well-being of Thai workers, particularly in the context of shifting economic conditions, rather than resorting to minimum wage hikes for political gain.
The ministry needs strategies to encourage Thai workers to upskill, developing their abilities to remain competitive in the increasingly demanding job market. Additionally, it is crucial to advance the skills in Thai-reserved professions that contribute to Thailand’s cultural “soft power”, such as lacquerware, Thai musical instrument crafting, nielloware, and other traditional crafts. Simply designating these as reserved occupations is not enough if they are neglected and allowed to fade over time.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s push for each household to adopt a “soft power” profession holds promise in this regard. Such initiatives can ensure that Thai culture flourishes on a global stage, supporting economic growth through cultural exports.