Bangkok: The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is set to increase the number of sign language interpreters and employ individuals with disabilities across the country by 2025-2026. This initiative aims to address the shortage of interpreters that hinders access to essential services for people with hearing or communication impairments.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, revealed plans through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to launch a pilot project for hiring sign language interpreters. The project intends to employ one interpreter per province, including Bangkok, with a salary of 18,000 baht per month. This initiative targets all 76 provinces and the capital, aiming to improve access to basic rights such as medical treatment, employment, information, and legal support.
Currently, there are 432,495 people with hearing or communication disabilities in the country, but only 202 registered sign language interpreters. These interpreters must pass skill assessments conducted by committees from the Thai Deaf Association and the Thai Sign Language Interpreters Association. The scarcity of interpreters poses significant challenges in crucial sectors like education and healthcare.
To address these challenges, the ministry has developed a phased approach to increase the number of sign language interpreters. In the short term, a 135-hour training course is offered to personnel across various sectors, with 180 individuals already trained. The medium-term strategy includes outsourcing and designating interpreter positions at provincial centers. Long-term plans focus on scholarships for diploma-level education and the development of AI technologies for interpreting services.
For the fiscal year 2025, the Subcommittee on the Promotion and Development of Sign Language Interpreters will establish two new evaluation units at the Thai Deaf Association and Suan Dusit University. Additionally, the Thai Deaf Foundation will oversee the examination processes for interpreter evaluation, supported by a dedicated fund. The subcommittee also approved scholarship guidelines for advanced studies in sign language interpreting, with future plans to create fund employee positions.