Picture courtesy of Kasikorn Bank

 

Thailand's job market faces a seismic shakeup as Kasikorn Bank (KBank) launches an unprecedented early retirement program open to workers as young as 45. This bold move highlights increasing pressures from technological advancements and poses serious questions about future job security and savings.

 

Traditionally, Thais retire much later, so this option for early exit has ignited debate. Concerns are mounting that it might inspire other sectors, especially those undergoing digital shifts, to adopt similar measures, potentially affecting the workforce broadly.

 

Tanit Sorat of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade notes, "Digitalisation is reshaping large sectors like banking, leading to burnout and covert staff reductions." With virtual banking, the demand for human resources dwindles, creating a generational divide among employees.

 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a different set of challenges. With the added pressure of US tariff policies, as many as 4.5 million out of 12.9 million SME workers are at risk of struggling with the shift to temporary employment to cut costs, according to the Bangkok Post.

 

Retirement schemes must adhere to labour laws, warns Mr Sorat. Employees must evaluate social security benefits tied to a retirement age of 55, as early retirement might result in loss of entitlements. Employers need to offer fair compensation to avoid coercive practices.

 

Supant Mongkolsuthree, ex-chair of the Federation of Thai Industries, notes that the 2025 economic slump is unique, primarily driven by technological shifts that are eroding jobs. HIt encourages policy adjustments for unemployment benefits to cope with rising living costs.

 

Despite these challenges, some industries, such as healthcare and creative sectors, remain robust. Early retirees might explore the digital economy, benefiting from flexible opportunities catering to Thailand’s ageing populace.

 

However, the thought of retiring at 45 raises alarms for some, like Chalothorn Kaewkuea, an office worker, who highlights that such a shift could destabilise careers and financial security when it's most needed. Young retirees might struggle to find new jobs, endangering their savings later in life.

 

Freelancer Thanes Nunman points to AI as a transformative force in banking and beyond. "While AI is taking over tasks, certain skills remain irreplaceable. Adapting to new realities is crucial," he explains. He calls for government oversight of AI to safeguard workers' interests.

 

The Social Security Office spokeswoman, Niyada Seneemanomai, says the early retirement concept is novel and requires examination. Currently, the office offers up to 90 days of assistance for involuntary job losses, and workers can stay within the social security system if they move into freelance roles.

 

This groundbreaking retirement scheme is reshaping how workers and sectors in Thailand approach career longevity and financial planning.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-01

 

Welcome to the future!  A new experience for Thailand. 

23 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's job market faces a seismic shakeup as Kasikorn Bank (KBank) launches an unprecedented early retirement program open to workers as young as 45

I hope the pension plan backs up this idiotic scheme

1 minute ago, mfd101 said:

Welcome to the future!  A new experience for Thailand. 

Leave University age 25 retire age 45... makes sense.

Sitting pretty in cool aircon all of the 5 working days,

better pay and retire at 45.

Slap in the face of those that work 6/7 days a week in the burning thai sun

and paid less.

smart move on the banks part, they are looking towards the future and planning now instead of in 5, 10, years time and suddenly having to lay off a lot more staff. This will be happening all over the world not just here as Ai takes hold.

13 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Leave University age 25 retire age 45... makes sense.

That's what I did. Works great.

And how big should the pension be ? 500 Thb/month?

1 minute ago, Olof Karlsson said:

And how big should the pension be ? 500 Thb/month?

65,000 same as us guests

I bet the 45 year old retirement isn't enough to actually retire on.

50 minutes ago, Olof Karlsson said:

And how big should the pension be ? 500 Thb/month?

 

How big should it be, or how big will it be?

 

Like others, I'm betting it won't be enough to actually stop working and still pay for luxuries like food and rent.

 

1 hour ago, mfd101 said:

Welcome to the future!  A new experience for Thailand

Another word for redundancy 

 

     Four of my Bangkok Thai in-laws are in banking.  Two have retired at the mandatory age of 60.  A third retires in 2027 when he hits 60.  At their retirement, they were given a lump sum payment, which is, I guess, supposed to last them until they die.   Which I highly doubt will, even with the most conservative spending, as people are living into their 80s and 90s.

    How is someone retiring at 45 supposed to manage?   Get another job?  Good luck with that.  My Thai partner has told me that it's difficult to get a job once you are in your 30s or 40s as employers aren't interested in hiring older workers.  Some even restrict age in their job ads. 

     With my Thai in-laws, they have bought a few condos as rental properties to help supplement their retirement lump sum and help it last longer but someone retiring at 45 likely hasn't saved enough to afford a second property purchase.   I hope they keep the early retirement scheme as a voluntary one, rather than forced retirement.

2 hours ago, Olof Karlsson said:

And how big should the pension be ? 500 Thb/month?

as we all know, government pensions cannot be relied on in the future, everyone needs to find a way to support themselves going forward. We may be the lucky few who benefit from the pensions we invested in.

8 hours ago, FlorC said:

Sitting pretty in cool aircon all of the 5 working days,

better pay and retire at 45.

Slap in the face of those that work 6/7 days a week in the burning thai sun

and paid less.

Life isn't fair. Never has been and never will be. 

Is that why some of the old working class blokes on here seem to get pi**y when they hear a 25 year old makes $10,000 from one youtube video, when they had to work 40 years in a sh*tty low paid job?

Jealousy is such an ugly thing.
 

On 9/1/2025 at 9:09 AM, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Kasikorn Bank

 

Thailand's job market faces a seismic shakeup as Kasikorn Bank (KBank) launches an unprecedented early retirement program open to workers as young as 45. This bold move highlights increasing pressures from technological advancements and poses serious questions about future job security and savings.

 

Traditionally, Thais retire much later, so this option for early exit has ignited debate. Concerns are mounting that it might inspire other sectors, especially those undergoing digital shifts, to adopt similar measures, potentially affecting the workforce broadly.

 

Tanit Sorat of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade notes, "Digitalisation is reshaping large sectors like banking, leading to burnout and covert staff reductions." With virtual banking, the demand for human resources dwindles, creating a generational divide among employees.

 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a different set of challenges. With the added pressure of US tariff policies, as many as 4.5 million out of 12.9 million SME workers are at risk of struggling with the shift to temporary employment to cut costs, according to the Bangkok Post.

 

Retirement schemes must adhere to labour laws, warns Mr Sorat. Employees must evaluate social security benefits tied to a retirement age of 55, as early retirement might result in loss of entitlements. Employers need to offer fair compensation to avoid coercive practices.

 

Supant Mongkolsuthree, ex-chair of the Federation of Thai Industries, notes that the 2025 economic slump is unique, primarily driven by technological shifts that are eroding jobs. HIt encourages policy adjustments for unemployment benefits to cope with rising living costs.

 

Despite these challenges, some industries, such as healthcare and creative sectors, remain robust. Early retirees might explore the digital economy, benefiting from flexible opportunities catering to Thailand’s ageing populace.

 

However, the thought of retiring at 45 raises alarms for some, like Chalothorn Kaewkuea, an office worker, who highlights that such a shift could destabilise careers and financial security when it's most needed. Young retirees might struggle to find new jobs, endangering their savings later in life.

 

Freelancer Thanes Nunman points to AI as a transformative force in banking and beyond. "While AI is taking over tasks, certain skills remain irreplaceable. Adapting to new realities is crucial," he explains. He calls for government oversight of AI to safeguard workers' interests.

 

The Social Security Office spokeswoman, Niyada Seneemanomai, says the early retirement concept is novel and requires examination. Currently, the office offers up to 90 days of assistance for involuntary job losses, and workers can stay within the social security system if they move into freelance roles.

 

This groundbreaking retirement scheme is reshaping how workers and sectors in Thailand approach career longevity and financial planning.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-01

 

 

Seems to me K Bank wants a very young workforce who (because of their age) are very tech savvy. 

17 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said:

Life isn't fair. Never has been and never will be. 

Is that why some of the old working class blokes on here seem to get pi**y when they hear a 25 year old makes $10,000 from one youtube video, when they had to work 40 years in a sh*tty low paid job?

Jealousy is such an ugly thing.
 

Really ? 40 years work to have 10k ?

They must have a big hole in their hands.

 

some of the old working class blokes on here

If you refer to me , no I'm not jealous.

I don't care that some youtubers/influencers or onlyfans earn serious money.

Many people sit back as their bitcoin or gold go up .

 

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

Really ? 40 years work to have 10k ?

They must have a big hole in their hands.

 

some of the old working class blokes on here

If you refer to me , no I'm not jealous.

I don't care that some youtubers/influencers or onlyfans earn serious money.

Many people sit back as their bitcoin or gold go up .

 

Where did I say anyone needed to work for 40 years to make 10K? 

I said that guys who had to work 40 years in a low paid job are typically quite salty when they see young guys who can perhaps make $10K from one youtube video.  Of course not all youtubers make that kind of money, but if they grow their channel over a few years it is possible. 

My friend John in the UK started his channel about 7 months ago, he has just over 10k followers, hsi cheque from Google for July was 803 GBP or roughly 35,000 THB.   Not bad for one 15 min video a day talking about his life.  

I know a few guys who've done similar within around a twelve month period.   

I'm sitting on a decent reserve of cash and crypto, I've started a Youtube channel so I don't need to spend my cash. 

I never paid into a pension scheme so I am self financing my retirement years.

1 hour ago, Freddy42OZ said:

Where did I say anyone needed to work for 40 years to make 10K? 

I said that guys who had to work 40 years in a low paid job are typically quite salty when they see young guys who can perhaps make $10K from one youtube video.  Of course not all youtubers make that kind of money, but if they grow their channel over a few years it is possible. 

My friend John in the UK started his channel about 7 months ago, he has just over 10k followers, hsi cheque from Google for July was 803 GBP or roughly 35,000 THB.   Not bad for one 15 min video a day talking about his life.  

I know a few guys who've done similar within around a twelve month period.   

I'm sitting on a decent reserve of cash and crypto, I've started a Youtube channel so I don't need to spend my cash. 

I never paid into a pension scheme so I am self financing my retirement years.

Someone that has worked 40 years even in a low paying job , has some saving.

If he/she did it right , 10k is a small movement when their investments go up.

He can compare what people earn today to what he earned 40 years ago and be "quite salty".

 

Aren't you lucky to not be forced into a pension scheme.

In many nanny states , it is mandatory.

That sounds like a great opportunity for someone to retire with a pension and start a second career, working until they can draw a second pension.  555 I get 3 fat checks every month forever, but didn't quit at 45 or 55 or 60.  DD was easy to set up directly to my BK bank.

11 minutes ago, NedR69 said:

That sounds like a great opportunity for someone to retire with a pension and start a second career, working until they can draw a second pension.  555 I get 3 fat checks every month forever, but didn't quit at 45 or 55 or 60.  DD was easy to set up directly to my BK bank.

    Could be--somewhere else.  As I said in my post, my Thai in-laws in banking don't get a pension, just a one-time retirement lump payment that is supposed to last them the rest of their lives.  I think that's true for many in Thailand.

   And, it can be hard to get hired at an older age in Thailand, my Thai spouse tells me.   Many employers are just interested in young workers in their 20s.  They could try to do something on their own to make some extra money if nobody will hire them, I suppose.  You're lucky to be getting 3 pension checks--in the US traditional pension plans are losing favor.  I'm lucky, too, to have one, plus SS.  

I think the impact of AI on society is hugely underestimated by most of us.  Some pundits are predicting 80+% unemployment within five years. 

 

We just don't realise that the AI revolution will be ten times more devastating to our modern society than the Industrial revolution was to the agrarian society of the 19th century - and it will happen at lightspeed, not over the course of 50+ years.

 

Of course, that's assuming patriots from the future don't send back Hulk Hogan's great grandson to take out Musk, Altman et al when they were in middle school. 

On 9/2/2025 at 9:27 AM, impulse said:

 

How big should it be, or how big will it be?

 

Like others, I'm betting it won't be enough to actually stop working and still pay for luxuries like food and rent.

 

 

So, with advances in health and medical technology leading to longer lives, the next generation of workers will have 20 years to make enough money to pay back their student loans, buy a nice Benz or Beemer to go with the flash condo, get married, start a family and still manage silt enough away to sustain a 40+ year retirement.

 

It's a good job they'll have Ai to tell them how to manage this.

Re the OP, but but but....

 

"Who's going to be there at the Thai bank branches to hand out all the paper photocopies that need to be signed and to make all the passport and Thai ID photocopies every time I want to sneeze at a Thai bank?

 

On the broader topic, my Thai wife, now in her middle aged years, went thru some job changes lately in her professional career. All around, she said, big Thai companies have been quietly laying off employees, offering voluntary early retirements and if there are not enough takers for that, basically forcing staff out and paying the mandatory separation amounts that are based on accumulated years of service.  I believe it's typically one month lump sum salary per year of credited service.

 

My wife was able to find a new job in her chosen field, but at a lesser salary, and it took her two months of searching. She literally applied for, dunno, certainly more than 100 job postings in her field, and was chosen to interview for more than a dozen....

 

The weird part was, there were all kinds of corporate job vacancy posting out there.... But the Thai companies aren't looking to hire Thais in their 40s...even for jobs that supposedly want people with higher levels of experience.  And the salaries being offered seem quite a bit lower than they've been in the past for comparable jobs.

 

 

On 9/2/2025 at 8:30 AM, gargamon said:

That's what I did. Works great.

 

Then why did you retire? 

Never understood why the thai retirement age is so low compared to the rest of the world.

If pension is FULLY compensated, what could be wrong?

But guess, your pension is way down and you cant even live on it.

In Korea workers of Hyundai are demanding to work longer ! Now they work to 60 , but they want 65 !

The reason is obvious, higher pension when retiring. Otherwise they cant live.

There are some more demands, but strikes are planned to achieve the goals.

https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/hyundai-motor-union-launches-strikes-south-korea-over-wages-working-hours-2025-09-03/

7 hours ago, Packer said:

 

Then why did you retire? 

Why work when you don't need to? Is your life so empty you need a job to fill it up?

On 9/2/2025 at 8:16 AM, hotchilli said:

Leave University age 25 retire age 45... makes sense.

Don't forget mature age entry so you can leave uni @ age 44 after bludging off the family.🙃🙃

Never going to be able to do this in a regular full time job doing nothing else.  Not in Thailand or anywhere else.  You would need at least one side hustle that paid off.  Nowadays, I wouldn't even recommend anyone get a higher education except as a backup plan. I would recommend they just keep trying different businesses and side hustles until they find one that pays off.  Helping entrepreneurs and small businesses to be successful and better compete with big companies is one area where I think AI will be a big help.