Bangkok: The National Statistical Office reported a decline in the number of people employed in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting a continued economic slowdown. Employment is being reduced, and technology is being used, with the private sector slowing down investment. It recommends developing skills and promoting the industrial sector to create long-term stability.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Ekapong Harimcharoen, Director-General of the National Statistical Office, revealed the labor situation in the third quarter of 2025. The population was 59.49 million, of which 40.20 million (67%) were in the labor force, and approximately 19.29 million (32.4%) were outside the labor force. Of the total labor force of 40.20 million, 310,000 were unemployed, 40,000 were seasonally inactive, and 39.85 million were employed.
Among the employed, 11.86 million were in agriculture, marking a 2.9% decrease, while 27.99 million were in the non-agricultural sector, showing a 0.6% increase, or approximately 160,000, compared to the same quarter of the previous year. This was particularly evident in other service activities, which saw a growth rate of 11.2%, while transportation and storage expanded by 4.9%. Manufacturing also experienced a similar increase.
However, several industries experienced a decline in employment. Due to the overall economic slowdown, companies are reducing employment and adapting to new technologies that reduce labor demand to control costs. Furthermore, investment in new projects by the private sector has decreased, impacting labor demand, particularly in the construction and real estate sectors, which have seen a significant decrease in the number of workers.