Thailand ramps up human capital development as PM calls for a future-ready workforce

Facing an ageing population, rapid technological advances, and growing global uncertainty, Thailand is looking to prioritise education, skills, and cross-sector collaboration to equip its people for the future of work.

Thailand is strengthening its focus on human capital development as the Government looks to prepare its workforce for an increasingly complex and fast-changing global environment.

Opening the THAILAND²: Empowering Thailand, Elevating Human Capital forum at Kasetsart University in Bangkok on 21 July 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior said developing people must remain at the heart of the country's long-term growth strategy.

He described human capital as the foundation of national development, adding that building a highly skilled and adaptable workforce is becoming increasingly urgent as Thailand responds to an ageing society, rapid technological advancements, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate change.

To address these challenges, the Government said it is working to widen access to education for people of all ages while strengthening upskilling and reskilling opportunities. It is also placing greater emphasis on supporting mental wellbeing, with the aim of helping people remain resilient and better prepared to navigate future changes.

"Empowering Thailand to effectively cope with these changes and seize new opportunities must begin with strengthening the capacity of the Thai people," Minister Anutin said.

He also highlighted the role of international collaboration in supporting Thailand's workforce development efforts.

Referring to his recent visit to China, he said discussions focused on what he described as a new era shaped by competition in knowledge, technology, innovation, and the digital economy. As part of these discussions, Thailand agreed to deepen cooperation with China in education, science, research, and innovation through a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at developing a workforce ready for future industries.

He added that these partnerships are expected to create new opportunities while strengthening Thailand's talent pipeline in areas that will drive future economic growth.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the joint efforts of five ministries in advancing the country's human capital agenda, describing investment in people as the nation's most important investment and a key driver of future development.

The ministries involved are the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

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Lead image / Public Relations Department of Thailand