The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has urged the government to act swiftly in tackling worker shortages for Thailand's labour-intensive industries.
The committee said easing legal barriers and renewing work permits for migrant workers from neighbouring countries is critical to sustaining competitiveness, economic growth and exports.
Pimjai Leeissaranukul, the newly appointed chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Industries who chaired the JSCCIB meeting on Tuesday, said the group asked authorities to streamline employment processes and extend work permits to prevent disruptions in the manufacturing and export sectors.
She said a strategic framework for migrant labour recruitment is needed to stabilise essential industries, ensure proper regulation and support both economic development and social order.
The JSCCIB plans to meet with government officials soon to outline short-, medium- and long-term measures to address the labour issue.
Despite these challenges, the committee maintained its GDP growth forecast for 2026 in a range of 1.2-1.6%, citing the prolonged Middle East conflict that has driven up oil prices, freight costs and global uncertainty.
Inflation is projected at 2-3%, while exports are expected to contract by 0.5-1.5%.
Thailand's economy was resilient in the first quarter, with GDP expanding by 2.8% year-on-year, up from 2.5% in the previous quarter, according to the committee.
Total investment grew by 9.9%, the strongest in 44 quarters, and government spending also accelerated.
Exports between January and March remained robust, fuelled by strong demand for digital and artificial intelligence products. Technology shipments surged by more than 45%, marking the sector's 12th consecutive quarter of growth.
However, Mrs Pimjai cautioned that export growth remains concentrated in the tech sector and has not evenly benefited the wider manufacturing base.
Beyond labour and economic concerns, the JSCCIB praised the government's May 18 order establishing an anti-corruption coordination committee. The group said the initiative marks a milestone in strengthening transparency, reforming regulations and enhancing corporate governance.
By leveraging technology to reduce discretionary power, the committee believes the move will lift confidence among businesses and the public while improving Thailand's investment climate.
