Thailand is facing a shortage of around 500,000 skilled and unskilled workers, especially in the tourism and service sectors, according to the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand (ECOT). Migrant workers are playing a crucial role in filling jobs in these sectors, where labor shortages are an obstacle to the nation’s economic recovery. Factors contributing to labor shortages include people returning home during the pandemic and changes in work preferences among new graduates, who now favor freelance jobs. The ECOT is monitoring the wage-hike policies of political parties ahead of the general election, with the deputy chairman emphasizing that any increases must be approved by a wage committee of employers, employees, and government representatives. The ECOT is advising policies that ensure sustainability and long-term growth rather than short-term wage increases that could damage the economy if funded through higher taxes.