ILO Study Highlights Urgent Need for Green and Digital Skills in Thailand’s Construction Sector

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has unveiled new research revealing critical skills gaps and opportunities to upskill and reskill young workers in Thailand’s construction industry — a sector now at the crossroads of digital transformation and environmental sustainability.

At a consultation meeting held in Bangkok on 7 October 2025, government officials, employers, workers’ representatives, academics, and industry leaders convened to discuss the preliminary findings of the ILO-led study. The research focuses on the development of industry-driven training and apprenticeship programmes aimed at equipping workers aged 18 to 29 with essential digital and green skills.

The initiative forms part of the ILO’s “Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN” project, funded by the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labour and implemented in collaboration with key Thai partners — including the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), the Thai Contractors’ Association (TCA), and the Department of Skill Development under the Ministry of Labour. The final report is expected in December 2025.

Preparing Thailand’s Workforce for a Low-Carbon Future

Thailand’s construction sector — one of the country’s largest employers — is facing a dual transformation challenge: the global shift toward green construction and the rapid adoption of digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), automation, and smart infrastructure systems.

The research identified that while Thailand has made notable strides in infrastructure modernization, the skills mismatch between industry needs and workforce capabilities continues to slow progress. Many young workers lack exposure to emerging technologies and sustainable practices that are becoming standard in construction globally.

According to the ILO, addressing these skills gaps is crucial for decent job creation and long-term competitiveness. The study aims to establish a blueprint for responsive training systems that integrate environmental standards, innovation, and inclusive labour practices.

“The ILO’s primary objective is to provide more decent digital and green jobs in the construction sector for young people in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Hochul Shin, Chief Technical Advisor to the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme. “It is highly significant that we are taking our first steps in Thailand today. Going forward, I sincerely hope this initiative will be supported by the active participation and commitment of the Thai government, labour organizations, and employers for the benefit of Thai youth.”

Industry Collaboration to Tackle Labour Shortages

The meeting’s participants emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among Thailand’s tripartite partners — government, employers, and workers — to develop structured training pathways and certification systems aligned with future workforce demands.

Siriwan Romchatthong, Secretary-General of the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), and Paratthakorn Nilapan of the Thai Contractors Association (TCA), both underlined the importance of partnership and proactive planning.

“The ILO project plays a vital role in identifying the existing skills gaps and highlighting potential areas for cooperation among key industry stakeholders,” they said. “This is an important opportunity to ensure Thailand’s construction sector transitions smoothly toward sustainable, high-value operations.”

Lars Johansen, Deputy Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, noted that the industry’s workforce challenges extend beyond technology adoption. “Not only is the construction sector facing pressure to shift toward low-carbon practices, but it must do so while tackling critical labour shortages,” Johansen said.

Aligning with Thailand’s National Sustainability Goals

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP) places sustainability and green growth at the heart of the country’s long-term vision. The plan includes targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065, goals that directly impact construction and infrastructure development.

As part of this national agenda, the construction industry is expected to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and adopt circular economy practices, such as waste minimization and resource recycling. However, the transition requires a skilled workforce capable of implementing new building technologies and adhering to global environmental standards.

The ILO’s research aims to support these national objectives by recommending education and training reforms that prepare Thailand’s youth for employment in the green economy, particularly in construction — one of the sectors most affected by sustainability transitions.

Upskilling for the Future: Green, Digital, and Inclusive

The study emphasizes three strategic areas for reform:

1. Digital transformation training – expanding apprenticeships and certifications for digital design, project management, and data-driven construction technologies.

2. Green skills development – incorporating sustainable construction practices, energy-efficient building techniques, and environmental compliance into vocational and tertiary curricula.

3. Inclusive workforce participation – creating accessible training for women, youth from rural areas, and informal workers to ensure that economic growth benefits all groups.

Participants at the Bangkok workshop highlighted that integrating these areas will not only boost Thailand’s competitiveness but also enhance worker safety, productivity, and resilience in the face of global economic shifts.

Building Decent Work Opportunities

The ILO’s Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN project extends beyond Thailand, covering multiple countries in Southeast Asia where youth unemployment remains high and technological shifts threaten to widen inequality. By promoting industry-led training and apprenticeship models, the ILO aims to ensure that young workers are not left behind in the transition to sustainable economies.

“Thailand has an opportunity to lead in building a model for inclusive and sustainable construction development in ASEAN,” said Shin. “This initiative ensures that when we talk about economic growth, we also talk about the quality of jobs — jobs that are safe, fair, and forward-looking.”

The project’s next phase will involve pilot training programmes and the creation of regional skills standards to guide curriculum development across ASEAN countries. The outcomes will feed into broader policy frameworks for green growth and just transitions, helping nations balance environmental goals with employment opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As Thailand’s construction industry prepares for major infrastructure investments and sustainability commitments, the ILO’s findings are expected to influence both national training policy and private-sector innovation strategies. The final report, due in December 2025, will provide detailed recommendations for integrating digital and green competencies into Thailand’s vocational education and training system.

With its focus on empowering youth and strengthening tripartite cooperation, the initiative represents a concrete step toward ensuring that Thailand’s economic modernization leaves no one behind.