More than 9,000 workers are still in demand in the tourism industry as foreign tourists continue to arrive in large numbers, according to the Labour Ministry.

The top five provinces where workers in the tourism sector are in high demand are Phuket (3,648 workers in demand), Chiang Mai (858), Chon Buri (594), Phangnga (410), and Surat Thani (349).

The types of workers needed are receptionists, porters, waiters, cleaners and housemaids, chefs, kitchen workers, cashiers and accountants.

The Thai Hotels Association said five-star hotels in Bangkok had enough workers to welcome guests during the Christmas and New Year festivals.

However, three-and-four-star hotels in tourism provinces such as Phuket and Pattaya still face shortages, particularly housemaids, bartenders and food and beverage personnel.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents said there are still shortages of tour guides as foreign tourists and proposed the law be relaxed to allow foreigners to work as tour guides in the country.

The Thai Spa Association said more than 60% of massage and spa workers were forced to quit their jobs and return to their home provinces during the pandemic.