The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has urged the government to act swiftly in tackling worker shortages for Thailand's labour-intensive industries.The committee said easing legal barriers and renewing work permits for migrant workers from neighbouring countries is critical to sustaining competitiveness, economic growth and exports.
Pimjai Leeissaranukul, the newly appointed chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Industries who chaired the JSCCIB meeting on Tuesday, said the group asked authorities to streamline employment processes and extend work permits to prevent disruptions in the manufacturing and export sectors.
She said a strategic framework for migrant labour recruitment is needed to stabilise essential industries, ensure proper regulation and support both economic development and social order.
The JSCCIB plans to meet with government officials soon to outline short-, medium- and long-term measures to address the labour issue.
Despite these challenges, the committee maintained its GDP growth forecast for 2026 in a range of 1.2-1.6%, citing the prolonged Middle East conflict that has driven up oil prices, freight costs and global uncertainty.
