Competition for jobs will heat up

BANGKOK, 8 May 2013: Thailand Development Research Institute says Thai workers will face fierce competition from foreign labour once the ASEAN Economic Community rolls in late 2015.

It identified 32 positions in six categories that will face competition, according to TDRI’s research on labor development director, Yongyuth Chalaemwong.

They include 32 job positions in hospitality business, such as tourism, hotels and restaurants.

“Due to the AEC agreement companies will be able to hire more foreign workers … it will cause an influx of foreign labour to Thailand and decrease employment opportunities for Thai people,” he warned.

Under the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals workers will have almost the same freedom to move between countries as enjoyed in the European Union.

However, countries like Thailand that have strict work permit regulations will still be able to apply them, which will maintain a level of protection for local labour.

Technically, more job positions will be open up to ASEAN nationals than would be allowed under the present work permit guidelines.

Once the AEC kicks in, ASEAN national will be able to apply for a post competing with local candidates and as long as the educational qualifications are correct and the salary offered is within the guidelines, the work permit should be approved.

It will make it easier for foreign workers to apply for jobs in hotels such as front office, housekeeping, food production and food and beverage. Most managerial positions in travel companies (both travel agencies and tour operators) will be open to foreigners.

Thailand was the last of the 10 ASEAN nations to sign off on the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Tourism Professionals, which will make it easier to facilitate the free movement and employment of qualified personnel between ASEAN member countries.

It is a part of ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals (ACCSTP) which was originally written up by University of Queensland in Australia.

Signing it was also part of the lead-up to establishing ASEAN Economic Community 2015.

Nine ASEAN member countries signed the MRA on tourism in January 2009 in Hanoi in Vietnam, but Thailand postponed signing the agreement until 9 November 2012.

Sourced: ttgasia