In Udon Thani city's bustling streets, Onpriya Sesachon's world expanded when she first encountered dishes like cashew chicken, khai raberd and tamarind cheesecake during an internship at T-Time Café & Restaurant.
"I was excited because I'd never heard of these dishes before," she recalls, reminiscing on her two-month internship. It was an experience that ignited her passion for culinary arts and led to a dream of owning her own café someday.
Back ar her village in tambon Na Phu, Phen district, some 30km from Udon Thani, life is different. Many young people like Onpriya face daunting challenges. Some drop out of school due to financial constraints, while others struggle to access vocational education. Living with her stepfather, ailing mother and three older siblings, Onpriya tried to navigate these hurdles while aware of the looming risk of becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).
Onpriya Sesachon, left, serves her freshly-baked brownies to guests at Na Phu Tambon Administrative Organisation.
NEET is a concern across Thailand, one exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. An in-depth report released by Unicef in 2023 revealed that nearly 1.4 million Thai youths aged 15-24 fall into this category, facing prolonged job searches, reduced educational opportunities and social disengagement. Udon Thani grapples with the second highest NEET population in the Northeast, according to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Vilasa Phongsathorn, adolescent development specialist at Unicef Thailand, says factors such as gender, ethnicity, health issues, low education, lack of opportunities, limited support, poor socioeconomic conditions and skills mismatch put young people at risk of becoming NEET.
This is a particular problem as Thai society ages rapidly. This requires today's youth to be even more capable and prepared than previous generations to sustain social and economic development. Recognising this challenge, Unicef partnered with NESDC, Udon Thani Rajabhat University and local authorities to launch a local pilot project designed to reintegrate NEET youth into education, training or the workforce.
First launched in 2023 in Na Phu, the project was inspired by the European Union's Reinforced Youth Guarantee scheme, which focuses on mapping individual aspirations, providing outreach, preparing participants and offering life-enhancing opportunities. Initially, some participants were hesitant to attend training, but with the help of the Na Phu Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) and village elders, 32 registered youths were convinced the project would offer new opportunities. Over the course of a year, the initiative successfully reintegrated 28 participants into employment or further learning.
"For years, we've struggled to motivate our youth," said Amnuay Intharathira, Na Phu TAO's chief executive. He therefore eagerly embraced the opportunity to participate in the pilot.
Yanisa Sriwapi is ready to offer haircuts to clients.
Patima Chongcharoentanawat is director of the NESDC's Strategic Studies and Research Division and believes young people, including Onpriya and her peers in Na Phu, will be pivotal in driving the future economy.
"The rise in NEET youth affects all levels of the economy and society," she points out. At the business level, entrepreneurs face challenges in finding skilled workers, and a decline in consumer purchasing power. Nationally, reduced tax revenues can harm fiscal sustainability and economic growth.
For Onpriya, the project was transformative. "It gave me the chance to explore my passion," she says of her internship at the restaurant.
Onpriya's story echoes that of Yanisa Sriwapi, a 19-year-old living with her father in the same village. She only completed primary education and has always been dependent on her father. She has long dreamed of owning a salon but lacked guidance on where and how to begin until she received support and mentorship through the pilot.
Asst Prof Worawat Tipchoi, from Udon Thani Rajabhat University, emphasises the importance of the programme's tailored approach.
After training, Philaphat Srikham is now ready to repair air conditioners and is eager to make a steady income.
"We've worked closely with local entrepreneurs to provide internships and job placements," he explains, underscoring efforts to bridge the gap between youth aspirations and local industry needs. Participating businesses and training providers included T-Time Café & Restaurant, Baan Suksabai elderly care, E-Sarn Technological College, Udon Thani Rotary Club and the Provincial Skill Development Institute, under the Ministry of Labour. These efforts not only empower participants but also benefit businesses by building a skilled, motivated workforce.
Tanamon Tutwisoot, owner of T-Time Café & Restaurant, witnessed first-hand the impact of investing in youth like Onpriya. "I saw her potential during the interview," she says, but was still deeply impressed by Onpriya's growth during the internship. Despite initial challenges, Tanamon's belief in providing opportunities prevailed.
"Nobody has ever asked us what we want to do or learn. We each have our own preferences," said Philaphat Srikham, a 17-year-old occasional labourer who was at risk of becoming a NEET. He wanted to learn air-conditioning repair and, along with some peers, chose to return to training after a two-year school break.
A year on, Philaphat is ready to be a part of any refrigeration repair team. Yanisa has now completed her first hairdressing training and Onpriya her internship in the kitchen, the first steps towards achieving their dreams. Other participants have gone back to school as preparation for tertiary education, while one has completed intensive nursing training and will work in a nursing home.
The success of these 28 will act as a catalyst, encouraging other young people in the village to join future projects.
"I was tearful when I saw how much they've changed," says Vilasa, who has known the participants throughout the pilot. "They appreciated being asked about their dreams and what they wanted to do for a living."
Vilasa points out that NEET youth are often unfairly seen as unmotivated. "This pilot project has shown that NEET youths often don't lack inspiration. Some lack access or just don't know where to start. It's our responsibility to provide them with the basics they need for their development, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century."
Everyone involved in this NEET pilot project hopes it will serve as ray of hope locally. As Thailand works to reduce its NEET youth population, initiatives like these can not only change lives but also create strong communities where every young person's talents are supported and valued.
