Thailand Weighs Using Prisoners and Soldiers to Tackle Labour

Thailand Weighs Using Prisoners and Soldiers to Tackle Labour Shortage

Thailand’s Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit has proposed urgent measures to address severe worker shortages, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. His plan includes registering undocumented migrants, importing more foreign labour, and deploying conscripted soldiers, “well-behaved” prisoners nearing release, and even youth offenders. Business leaders have voiced support, warning that the loss of Cambodian workers is crippling industries, while critics have raised ethical concerns about potential exploitation. The Cabinet is expected to review the proposals soon as the country scrambles to stabilise its workforce.