Thailand emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s key expansion hubs

With its strategic location, competitive costs, and evolving talent base, Thailand is well positioned to become one of Southeast Asia’s most promising expansion hubs in the coming years.

A cargo port in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 3, 2025. (Illustrative photo: Reuters/VNA)
A cargo port in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 3, 2025. (Illustrative photo: Reuters/VNA)

Hanoi (NNT/VNA) – Thailand is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s key destinations for global business expansion, according to a new report by leading recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

The report, titled “Expanding Horizons: A Guide to Growing Your Business in Thailand”, outlines Thailand’s strong market fundamentals, supportive government initiatives, and workforce strengths, positioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for international investors.

The study found that nearly half of organisations from major Asian economies plan to expand into Thailand within the next two years, driven by rising consumer demand, competitive labour costs, and Thailand’s strategic location at the centre of ASEAN.

Thailand’s labour market remains among the region’s strongest, with approximately 12 million workers and an unemployment rate below 1%. While the country benefits from a diverse and capable workforce, the report notes a growing shortage of digital and technology professionals. This has prompted government and industry initiatives to strengthen digital skills and training programmes.

Robert Walters Thailand Country Manager Punyanuch Sirisawadwattana said that efforts, such as the National Cyber Security Agency’s plan to train 10,000 new cybersecurity professionals by 2026, demonstrate Thailand’s determination to address the digital skills gap. She noted that many companies are also turning to market intelligence and talent advisory services to make more informed decisions about workforce planning and recruitment.

With its strategic location, competitive costs, and evolving talent base, the report concludes that Thailand is well positioned to become one of Southeast Asia’s most promising expansion hubs in the coming years./.

VNA

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