Second phase of stimulus plan gets nod
This is part of the restructured 157-billion-baht budget originally allocated for the 10,000-baht digital wallet project.
The news was announced by Mr Pichai after the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
The cabinet previously rolled out 115 billion baht under the first phase of the plan. The remaining funds will now be directed toward boosting Thailand's competitiveness in key industries and investing in human capital to cushion against an expected economic slowdown this year.
Mr Pichai said the second-phase package, reviewed and endorsed by the National Economic Stimulus Policy Committee, is designed to enhance the global competitiveness of Thai enterprises, particularly in targeted industries.
The package also prepares the workforce for future economic instability. The initiative aims to counter potential risks from global developments such as Washington's reciprocal tariff measures and the Global Minimum Tax, while laying a foundation for long-term growth.
Key components of the stimulus package include enhanced competitiveness for target industries worth 10 billion baht and investment in human capital development valued at 8.48 billion baht.
The first portion will be allocated through the Board of Investment's Competitiveness Enhancement Fund for Target Industries, to support Thai businesses in adapting to global market changes.
This will attract and retain major investors and mitigate the impact of protectionist US trade policies, as well as global tax reforms.
In the short term, the programme will focus on digital technology skill development and industrial transformation.
For the human capital portion, the money will be allocated through the Student Loan Fund (SLF). This is intended to expand access to education financing, enabling up to 139,000 students to secure loans.
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Bangkok Post
2 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Second phase of stimulus plan gets nod
The cabinet has approved the second phase of the government's economic stimulus plan worth 18.4 billion baht, said Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. This is part of the restructured 157-billion-baht budget originally allocated for the 10,000-baht digital wallet project. The news was announced by Mr Pichai after the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The cabinet previously rolled out 115 billion baht under the first phase of the plan. The remaining funds will now be directed toward boosting Thailand's competitiveness in key industries and investing in human capital to cushion against an expected economic slowdown this year. Mr Pichai said the second-phase package, reviewed and endorsed by the National Economic Stimulus Policy Committee, is designed to enhance the global competitiveness of Thai enterprises, particularly in targeted industries. The package also prepares the workforce for future economic instability. The initiative aims to counter potential risks from global developments such as Washington's reciprocal tariff measures and the Global Minimum Tax, while laying a foundation for long-term growth. Key components of the stimulus package include enhanced competitiveness for target industries worth 10 billion baht and investment in human capital development valued at 8.48 billion baht. The first portion will be allocated through the Board of Investment's Competitiveness Enhancement Fund for Target Industries, to support Thai businesses in adapting to global market changes. This will attract and retain major investors and mitigate the impact of protectionist US trade policies, as well as global tax reforms. In the short term, the programme will focus on digital technology skill development and industrial transformation. For the human capital portion, the money will be allocated through the Student Loan Fund (SLF). This is intended to expand access to education financing, enabling up to 139,000 students to secure loans.
Bangkok Post
2 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Major Thai workforce trends in 2025
Employers in Thailand are adjusting their strategies and structures to cope with economic conditions, focusing on flexibility, compensation, and the use of AI and AI-related skills in recruitment, according to the online job platform Jobsdb by SEEK. The Hiring, Compensation & Benefits (HCB) Report 2025 identified three key transitions in the Thai labour market that organisations should not overlook, according to Jobsdb: The increasing shift towards flexible employment models Changes in employee benefits to enhance quality of life, and The rising importance of AI skills, which are rapidly becoming foundational capabilities for the modern workforce. The findings are based on an in-depth survey of 702 employers across Thailand, between September and October 2024. The survey covers businesses of all sizes across nearly every industry, aiming to identify critical labour market changes and equip Thai businesses with strategic insights to adapt confidently in the fast-evolving world of work. "Our latest findings reflect a crucial turning point in Thailand's labour market," said Duangporn Promon, managing director of Jobsdb by SEEK Thailand. "In 2024, many companies undertook internal restructuring to manage economic pressures by reducing costs, simplifying operations and improving overall efficiency. "Full-time permanent employees were the most affected, particularly in accounting, HR, marketing, customer service and manufacturing roles. However, the 2025 HCB Report points to a promising recovery, with over 53% of employers planning to hire at least one full-time position in the first half of the year." Many organisations, she said, are increasingly adopting part-time and contract employment strategies to cope with uncertainty and improve business flexibility. The findings reveal that: Part-time permanent positions in large organisations (over 100 employees) increased from 20% to 42%; Contract part-time positions rose from 19% to 28%. For small and medium-sized enterprises, the shift towards flexible employment is following a similar trend. While certain job functions have been impacted, the overall Thai labour market remains strong, with the national unemployment rate staying as low as 1%. Roles that continue to see high hiring demand include administrative and HR positions, accounting and business-to-business salespersons. EMPLOYEE VALUE "Modern organisations are placing increasing importance on their employee value proposition [EVP], with a focus on enhancing employee well-being across physical, mental and family dimensions," said Ms Duangporn. "In 2025, we are observing a clear shift towards more comprehensive benefit offerings including additional types of leave such as birthday leave, paternity leave to support childcare, and family care leave, each reporting a 15% increase." Ms Duangporn said many companies are also expanding family-oriented benefits such as providing nursing rooms in the workplace and education allowances. These measures not only improve employees' quality of life but also serve as an effective strategy to strengthen employee engagement and retention. In terms of compensation, 85% of surveyed organisations indicated they have increased salaries to keep up with inflation, while 84% reported providing bonuses averaging two months' salary to maintain employees' morale during ongoing economic fluctuations. AI A NECESSITY Although the adoption of AI technologies in recruitment processes is still in its early stages, the report indicates that AI-related skills are becoming a key criterion in hiring decisions. According to the report, 65% of organisations now consider AI competency during job interviews, while 26% believe that these skills are critical in the modern workplace. Assessment methods for AI skills typically include direct interviews (51%), portfolio reviews (42%) and specialised tests (33%). Additionally, 34% of organisations have already begun using AI tools to draft job postings and screen applications. This reflects a growing trend where AI is no longer just a tool for tech roles but is increasingly recognised as a foundational skill required across industries. "2025 marks a year of strategic transformation and organisational restructuring," said Ms Duangporn. "In response to the fast-evolving labour landscape, companies in Thailand are accelerating efforts to meet the expectations of the modern workforce through more flexible employment models, holistic employee benefits and the integration of AI as a new standard in hiring criteria." Preparing for these emerging trends is no longer optional -- it's a strategic imperative for organisations aiming to remain competitive and resilient in the long term, she said. As the country's largest online job platform, Jobsdb is committed to bridging the gap between employers and job seekers to support a more sustainable and high-quality labour market, she added.
Bangkok Post
2 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Big Bad Wolf is back
The world's largest English-language book sale is making its much-anticipated return to Bangkok this month, bringing with it more than just discounted titles. From tomorrow until Aug 17, Big Bad Wolf Books will once again transform IMPACT Forum Hall 4, Muang Thong Thani, into a vast, immersive marketplace of ideas, stories and dreams. With over 2 million new English books available at up to 95% off, the event aims to ignite imaginations, broaden perspectives and -- at its heart -- reinforce a message that books remain one of the most powerful tools for individual and societal change. The scale of the event is only matched by its purpose. "We've never looked at this as just a book sale," said Jacqueline Ng, co-founder and director of Big Bad Wolf Books, in a recent press conference held at Siam@Siam hotel. "We see it as a literacy movement. A single book can completely reshape a person's outlook. That's why we keep doing this, year after year, city after city. We want to reach readers who might not otherwise have access to books. That's the mission." Ng and her partner Andrew Yap founded Big Bad Wolf in Malaysia in 2009 with a vision to make reading affordable for everyone, regardless of background. Since then, the movement has expanded to more than 50 cities across 17 countries, including Egypt, Sri Lanka, Kenya, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. In Thailand, over 10 million books have been sold since the fair's local debut in 2016. With every new edition, the event has drawn crowds of readers -- from students and parents to educators, artists and lifelong bibliophiles -- eager to build their home libraries without breaking the bank. The timing of the 2025 Bangkok edition feels particularly relevant. Global economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living has made discretionary spending more cautious, but Ng believes that books have re-emerged as essential investments, particularly for Gen Z and young families. "We're seeing more people who view reading as a pathway to mental wellness, inspiration and even personal reinvention," she explained. "Books have this ability to ground us in ways that digital content often can't." Recent industry data backs this up. According to Grand View Research, the global book market is projected to grow from US$150 billion in 2024 to $192 billion by 2030, with physical books continuing to dominate market share -- accounting for an estimated 70%–84% of sales. The Asia-Pacific region, notably, is driving much of that growth, averaging a steady 5% annual increase. Closer to home, Thailand's reading culture is also showing signs of renewed life. The average Thai now spends approximately 113 minutes a day reading -- a meaningful jump from past years. English-language books, in particular, have seen growing interest, especially among working professionals and parents who see value in raising bilingual children. Popular genres include fiction, self-help, psychology, business and inspirational non-fiction, while children's books -- especially those designed to foster early language development -- remain perennial bestsellers. "There's something powerful happening right now," Ng observed. "Yes, we live in a digital-first world, but many young people are coming back to books. They're using reading as a form of digital detox. It's not about nostalgia -- it's about clarity. Physical books give them a different kind of experience, a deeper engagement." The rise of digital detoxing isn't just anecdotal. Social media trends like #BookTok on TikTok have helped make reading culturally relevant again, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Videos of users sharing emotional reactions to books or staging elaborate "reading nooks" in their homes have turned literature into a lifestyle statement. For Ng, this convergence of physical and digital reading habits is not a contradiction -- it's an evolution. "The platforms may change, but the emotional core of reading stays the same. Our job is to keep that core accessible." Accessibility remains central to Big Bad Wolf's philosophy and it's why the sale continues to partner with Thai organisations committed to literacy and education. Plan for Kids, a well-established children's publisher and co-founder of the Thai Book United alliance, plays a key role in curating bilingual content that appeals to both young readers and their parents. "Reading unlocks the world for every child -- not just in classrooms but in everyday life," said Risuan Aramcharoen, managing director of Plan for Kids. "Big Bad Wolf gives families the chance to build a meaningful home library without spending a fortune. The earlier we surround children with books, the more confident, creative and curious they become." The fair also collaborates with respected Thai publishers like Silkworm Books to ensure that local voices remain a vital part of the experience. "Big Bad Wolf is more than just a sales event," said Silkworm's director Trasvin Jittidecharak, who also serves as secretary-general of the Asean Book Publishers Association. "It's a platform that gives Thai readers access to global literature while also spotlighting Thai language books. This kind of exchange is vital -- not just for readers, but for the long-term health of our publishing ecosystem." The books on offer reflect that global-local dynamic. Visitors can browse titles in genres ranging from YA novels and thrillers to cookbooks, architecture, history and rare collectable editions. Children's picture books, graphic novels, academic texts and contemporary fiction sit side by side in a 5,000m² venue designed for exploration. New to this year's fair will be themed reading zones, family activities, exclusive merchandise and community-led programming that bridges reading with creativity and critical thinking. As for the future, Ng is clear about the road ahead. The team's ultimate goal is to move one billion books globally, reaching readers in even more countries where books are still considered a luxury. "We want to keep evolving the event experience," she said. "But we'll never move away from our core belief: that reading can transform lives." For now though, all eyes are on Bangkok. With its convenient connection to the new Pink Line MRT (Muang Thong Thani Station), Big Bad Wolf Books 2025 is poised to welcome thousands of new and returning readers over its 11-day run. And whether they walk away with a stack of novels or a single book that speaks directly to them, Ng hopes the experience leaves a lasting mark. "We never know who we're going to reach at each event," she said. "But if even one person leaves inspired -- if one child picks up a book and begins a lifelong journey -- we've already succeeded." Big Bad Wolf Books 2025 runs daily from 10am to 10pm, from tomorrow until Aug 17, at IMPACT Forum Hall 4, Muang Thong Thani. For updates, follow Big Bad Wolf Books on Facebook or Instagram (@bigbadwolfbooks_th).
