Brain drain looms as AEC draws near

Thailand risks an outflow of highly skilled workers in the next few years as Asean members are expected to allow free mobility of labour in the region in 2015.

Thailand could also encounter a labour shortage because of a rapidly ageing society, resulting in a less productive workforce.

Higher compensation will draw quality Thai workers to other countries while the local workforce will have more competition from migratory workers from poorer Asean countries, according to an initial study by the National Economic and Social Development Board.

Chirapun Gullaprawit, director of the Social Development Strategy and Planning Office, said mobility under the Asean Economic Community would strengthen the capability of Thai workers with more job opportunity overseas.

Thai businesses are also expected to have more choices for skilled workers from Asean to ease the current shortage of 100,000 employees in mid-level management.

The shortage will become more severe over the next five years if Thai companies are not prepared to deal with the problem.

According to Asean's Mutual Recognition Arrangements, freer labour mobility will be allowed in seven sectors on condition they meet Asean's labour standards.

The study showed the outward flow of Thai workers in 2009 was 78,717, a drop of 15.9% from 2008 due to the economic slowdown. The agency estimates a rise in outgoing workers in 2010 and this year, in line with the economic recovery.

Of the Thais working abroad in 2009, 47.27% of them graduated from primary schools. Asia was the preferred destination with 55.68%, followed by 22.84% to the Middle East, 11.6% to Europe and the United States, and the rest to Africa. They generated income of 57.32 billion baht, down by 9% from 2008.

Mr Chirapun said the study showed more than 90% of the workforce inflow consisted of unskilled labourers, triggered by local demand from labour-intensive industries such as agriculture, fisheries, construction, domestic housework and restaurants.

Most workers entered Thailand illegally from neighbouring countries with the greatest number coming from Burma, followed by Laos and Cambodia.