Sri Lankans seeking overseas employment are one step closer to accessing jobs in Thailand after the Thai Government approved the recruitment of an initial 10,000 workers.
Thai Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced on November 6 that the Foreign Workers Management Policy Committee had approved the recruitment under the labour cooperation agreement between the two countries.
The decision moves forward the employment programme announced in September, when Sri Lanka and Thailand signed agreements to establish a formal recruitment system for Sri Lankan workers.
Thailand is seeking additional foreign workers as businesses in several industries face labour shortages. These recruitments will give Thai employers another source of workers while providing Sri Lankans with a new overseas employment destination. About the Agreement
Recruitment to Cover Several Employment Sectors
The initial target remains 10,000 Sri Lankan workers. The earlier bilateral agreement identified several potential employment areas, including construction, agriculture and livestock, food and beverage, manufacturing, educational institutions, aquatic-animal processing and mining.
Both countries also identified opportunities for Sri Lankan youth in information technology and tourism.
However, the latest approval does not provide a breakdown of vacancies by sector. Specific job positions, qualifications and recruitment dates have yet to be announced.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Captain Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn
Will These Employment Agreements to Protect Workers?
These recruitments will operate under the employment agreement signed by the two countries.
Under this arrangement, workers must receive employment contracts directly from their employers before travelling to Thailand. They must also obtain the required work permits, undergo medical examinations and provide proof of health insurance.
Sri Lankan workers recruited under the agreement will receive the rights and benefits provided under Thai labour laws. These include legally required wages, employment benefits and access to legal procedures if employment disputes arise.
Employment contracts will cover an initial period of two years, with the option to extend for another two years. Employers will also be responsible for repatriation costs when workers complete their contracts.
Job Seekers Await Official Recruitment Details
The agreements also include measures to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking. Both countries will cooperate on labour market information, skills development and worker protection.
For Sri Lankans planning to seek employment in Thailand, the next important development will be the announcement of actual vacancies and application procedures.
The initial target of 10,000 workers does not mean that 10,000 vacancies are currently open for applications. Job seekers still need official information about available positions, required qualifications, salaries and authorized recruitment channels.
The latest approval marks another step towards opening Thailand’s employment market to Sri Lankan workers. The practical value will depend on how quickly the two countries put the recruitment system into operation and begin announcing job opportunities.
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Last modified: November 7, 2026
