18.08.202504:14:34UTC+00Thailand Q2 Jobless Rate Hits 3-Quarter High

Thailand's unemployment rate registered at 0.91% in the second quarter of 2025, a slight increase from 0.89% in the preceding quarter, reaching its highest point since the third quarter of 2024. The agriculture sector, which employs nearly a third of the workforce, is experiencing challenges due to unpredictable weather conditions. In contrast, hiring within the manufacturing sector showed signs of stabilization following several lackluster quarters. Meanwhile, labor demand in tourism and services continued its recovery, albeit at a slower pace than earlier in the year. This slowdown is attributed to weak global demand and high household debt, which is restraining domestic spending. The government has emphasized job creation and skill development as core objectives under its medium-term economic strategy, with the goal of enhancing productivity and fostering a more sustainable recovery. Employment growth remained sluggish, increasing by only 0.02% following a 0.5% annual decline in the first quarter.