Thailand’s jobless rate falls as COVID-19 curbs ease

Thailand’s jobless rate in Q4’2021 fell to its lowest level since the onslaught of the pandemic as the nation began easing its COVID-19 restrictions. 

The impact of the Omicron variant on Thailand’s economic activity has not been significant, allowing activities within the country to proceed, said the state planning agency, according to Reuters. 

In the December quarter, Thailand’s official jobless rate fell to 1.64%, representing 630,000 jobless workers, from 2.25% in the previous quarter, showed official data. The figure is the lowest since Q1’2020, when the unemployment rate was 1.03% before the pandemic impacted the labour market. 

The labour situation is not yet stable but a reopening of the economy and outbreak controls should increase jobs, Jinanggoon Rojananan, deputy head of the National Economic and Social Development Council said at a press conference. 

First flat rate for minimum wage decided in Thailand

Thailand defines unemployment as workers who do not work a single hour in a surveyed week. It also excludes owners of businesses or farms, which analysts say is why the figures do not capture Thailand’s significant unofficial economy, writes Reuters.