Thailand to launch training schemes for jobless amid COVID-19

A street in Bangkok is empty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: AFP)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand will launch training programmes for unemployed people as part of the third series of its government's stimulus measures to ease the impact of the COVID-19 on the economy, said Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry is set to organise training programmes for 40,000 workers who lost their jobs because of the pandemic, said Supachai Pathumnakul, deputy permanent secretary of the ministry.

He noted the training programmes are estimated to cost 144 million THB (4.5 million USD) and will be funded by the central budget in fiscal 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 a daily allowance of 200 THB a day.

The ministry also plans training programmes to upskill and reskill 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 May or later, once the Thai government lifts the state of emergency,

The third stimulus package is expected to be finalised and presented for cabinet approval this month. It is designed to provide comprehensive and continued assistance for all groups of people affected by the virus and keep the economy running without disruption.

Millions of labourers in Southeast Asia could lose their jobs 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 for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte on April 7 approved the extension of lockdown and quarantine measures covering more than half of the population in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Restrictions of movement and gatherings have been in place in and around the capital Manila since nearly a month ago./.