(File photo by Apichit Jinakul)Sooner or later, automation and robots will further creep into Thai labour markets, transforming the way industries do their business. It remains to be seen whether the plan, initiated by the Ministry of Labour, will be transformed into practical solutions. In fact, there is the need for the state and the private sector to invest more in enhancing workers' skills, knowledge and qualifications across the board in all sectors. While increased income can improve the living conditions of those working at the bottom of the economy, the labour sector, particularly worker unions, should not confine their demands to just minimum wage increases. If eventually they have to lose jobs to robots and automation, social safety nets must be in place.

Source: Bangkok Post April 30, 2017 21:56 UTC