A street in Bangkok is empty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: AFP)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand will launch trainingprogrammes for unemployed people as part of the third series of its government'sstimulus measures to ease the impact of the COVID-19 on the economy, said Thai DeputyPrime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
The Higher Education, Science, Research and InnovationMinistry is set to organise training programmes for 40,000 workers who losttheir jobs because of the pandemic, said Supachai Pathumnakul, deputy permanentsecretary of the ministry.
He noted the training programmes are estimated to cost 144million THB (4.5 million USD) and will be funded by the central budget infiscal 2020.
The programmes will be supported by 80 universities,covering language skill development for tour guides, tourism and business management for entrepreneurs, and farm-related development.
Each programme will take 10 days and trainees will receive adaily allowance of 200 THB a day.
The ministry also plans training programmes to upskill andreskill workers in advanced technology, notably for the 12 targeted industries,aiming to benefit 50,000 workers.
It expects the training programmes to be implemented by Mayor later, once the Thai government lifts the state of emergency,
The third stimulus package is expected to be finalised andpresented for cabinet approval this month. It is designed to providecomprehensive and continued assistance for all groups of people affected by thevirus and keep the economy running without disruption.
Millions of labourers in Southeast Asia could lose theirjobs as economies grind to a halt due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,according to a report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission forAsia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte on April 7approved the extension of lockdown and quarantine measures covering more thanhalf of the population in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Restrictions of movement and gatherings have been in placein and around the capital Manila since nearly a month ago./.
