Traditional full-time employment may no longer be the default answer for today’s workforce. Many organizations are moving away from long-term or permanent hiring and are instead prioritizing agility, efficiency, and measurable outcomes over conventional work structures. As a result, Thailand’s labor market is becoming increasingly flexible, with more opportunities in part-time and contract-based roles.

Three Major Shifts in Thailand’s Labor Market

Data from Jobsdb by SEEK, one of Thailand’s leading online job platforms, shows that employers are adjusting their work models and organizational structures to cope with economic uncertainty. Companies are placing greater emphasis on flexibility, competitive compensation, and workforce efficiency.

According to the Hiring, Compensation & Benefits (HCB) Report 2025 by Jobsdb, Thailand’s labor market is undergoing three critical transformations that organizations should not overlook: more flexible employment models, enhanced employee benefits to improve quality of life, and the growing importance of AI-related skills, which are quickly becoming a fundamental requirement in today’s workplace.

These shifts are not mere predictions. They are based on real data collected from a survey of 702 employers nationwide between September and October 2024, covering businesses of various sizes and industries. The findings aim to help organizations better understand labor market trends and adapt their strategies to the evolving world of work.

Early Signals Since 2024

Signs of this transition have been evident since 2024. Many companies have restructured internally to respond to economic pressures, focusing on cost control and adopting AI technologies to streamline traditional processes. This has resulted in more efficient workflows and improved overall productivity.

These changes have directly impacted full-time employees, particularly in accounting, human resources, marketing, customer service, and manufacturing roles, which have experienced notable disruptions. At the same time, many organizations have increased their use of part-time and contract workers to manage uncertainty and enhance operational flexibility.

Survey results show that part-time permanent positions in large organizations (with more than 100 employees) increased from 20% to 42%, while contract-based part-time roles rose from 19% to 28%.

Small and medium-sized businesses are following the same trend toward flexible employment. Although some positions have been affected, Thailand’s overall labor market remains strong, with the national unemployment rate still low at just 1%. Roles that continue to be in high demand include administrative and HR positions, accounting, and B2B sales.

Organizations Are Placing Greater Value on Employee Benefits

Modern organizations are increasingly focusing on Employee Value Proposition (EVP), going beyond compensation alone to address employees’ overall well-being. This includes physical health, mental health, and family life.

Following the updated Labor Protection Act (No. 9) B.E. 2568 (2025), which strengthens employee rights and benefits, many companies have expanded their benefits to better support real-life needs. For example, maternity leave has been extended from 98 to 120 days, while fathers are now entitled to 15 days of paid leave to support their partners after childbirth. These family-related benefits have increased by approximately 15%, reflecting a stronger emphasis on employees’ roles beyond the workplace.

Organizations are also offering family-friendly initiatives such as nursing rooms at the workplace and education assistance. These measures not only improve employees’ quality of life but also strengthen engagement and increase long-term retention.

In terms of compensation, 85% of organizations reported salary increases to keep pace with inflation, while 84% provided bonuses averaging two months’ pay to maintain morale amid economic uncertainty.

AI Is Becoming Essential in the Workplace

Although the use of AI in recruitment processes is still in its early stages, AI-related skills are rapidly becoming a key hiring criterion. Around 65% of organizations consider AI skills during interviews, and 26% view them as highly essential in modern workplaces.

Common evaluation methods include direct interviews (51%), portfolio reviews (42%), and specialized tests (33%). Additionally, 34% of organizations have already started using AI tools to write job postings and screen applications.

This trend highlights that AI is no longer limited to technology roles; it is becoming a fundamental skill required across a wide range of industries.

Conclusion

Companies in Thailand are accelerating their efforts to adapt to the rapidly evolving labor market by embracing more flexible employment models, enhancing employee benefits, and integrating AI as a new standard in hiring and operations.

Preparing for these trends is no longer optional. It has become a strategic necessity for organizations that want to remain competitive and sustainable in the long term.