The government's planned infrastructure projects will likely exacerbate the country's labour shortage in the coming years, warn industry experts.
The situation may worsen starting from next year when the 2-trillion-baht infrastructure projects begin, said Tanit Sorat, a vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries.
The National Economic and Social Development Board said the projects will need 530,000 workers, 56% of whom are semi-skilled. The rest are unskilled labourers (37%) and skilled workers (7%).
Up to 80% of the budget would go to rail network development.
As well, the government's 350-billion-baht water management projects will require 80,000 workers.
Somkiat Chayasriwong, the labour permanent secretary, said labour shortages have been a problem for more than a decade and will worsen if relevant agencies do not address the issue jointly.
The popular solution of bringing in labourers from neighbouring countries cannot be done hastily, he said.
"Importing migrant workers is not the best solution, as it takes time and must be done cautiously," said Mr Somkiat.
"Abundant imports of foreign workers have posed many problems in the past."
A Labour Ministry survey on labour demand shows Thailand will need about 1.04 million workers this year _ 404,977 in farming, 183,995 in industries and 449,425 in services.
The ministry projects Thailand will be short of 1.6 million labourers over the next five years.
Mr Tanit urged the government to come up with more systematic plans for labour development and imports.
Meanwhile, the private sector and educational institutes have taken a more proactive role in solving the problem in the short term.
Last week, schools and colleges under the Eastern Institute of Vocational Education (EIVE) network will cooperate with private firms such as the developer Areeya Property Plc, construction-materials maker Namheng Group and car importer Benz Thonglor to develop human resources.
The EIVE comprises nine vocational colleges in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.
Prempracha Supasamut, chairman of the EIVE's council, human resource development partnerships will be sought with companies in China, Japan, South Korea and Germany as well as foreign firms with a presence in Thailand' East.
Mr Prempracha said since the East is home to numerous industries and attracts many tourists, development should include both the manufacturing and the services sectors.
The EIVE is conducting a study on workforce demand in the four provinces as well as human resource development strategies and network development between educational institutes and companies.