A number of 698 plants shut down in 2008, affecting 55,549 jobs, according to the Labour Ministry's labour watch centre.

During Jan 1-12, 2009, 14 businesses shut down, laying off 3,069 jobs and 15 with 2,122 workers were found very likely to close business.

Pichai Ekpitakdamrong, Employment Department director-general, said that a job fair would be held on Jan 17, where 50 companies would recruit 10,000 jobs.