Thailand, Macao to work closer on creating job opportunities for Thai workers in Macao

Job positions that require more Thai workers in the Special Administrative Region include those in hotels and resorts, restaurants, casinos, and entertainment.

Thailand’s Minister of Labour, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, announced on 28 February 2025 an expanded cooperation between Thailand and Macao to extend job opportunities for Thai workers in the region’s growing hospitality, gaming, and wellness sectors.

In a discussion with Tai Kin Ip, Macao’s Secretary of Economy and Finance, both parties emphasised the increasing demand for Thai talent in hotels, casinos, restaurants, and spas.

Macao is currently home to approximately 1,040 Thai workers, and the demand continues to rise, with Thai workers said to be highly valued for their work skills, diligence, good manners, and ability to adapt well to Macao society.

To support this demand, Thailand’s Ministry of Labour will enhance training programmes focusing on language proficiency and industry-specific skills to meet market demands before sending workers to work in Macao, and Thailand can prepare workers in advance through training.

The Ministry of Labour said it will continue coordination through the Thai Labour Ambassador in Macao.

Macao’s economic expansion is expected to present new employment prospects, particularly with increased investment in hotels, casinos, and a planned special economic zone. According to Secretary Tai Kin Ip, Thai workers are especially sought after for key positions, including:

• Hotels and resorts – Housekeepers, receptionists, and concierges
• Restaurants – Chefs, cooks, bartenders, and servers
• Casinos and Entertainment – Customer service staff and receptionists
• Spas and wellness – Thai massage therapists

Additionally, he noted that Macao is interested in Thai culinary talent, particularly food designers, to enhance its tourism appeal by integrating Thai cuisine into its dining scene.

Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Thailand, reaffirmed that Macao is committed to increasing employment opportunities for Thai workers and is in talks with six leading casino companies to expand hiring quotas.

He emphasised the importance of language skills and specialised skills to meet market needs, with Thailand’s Ministry of Labour actively refining training and worker dispatch systems.

Further strengthening this collaboration, Decha Phrukphatthanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Thailand, highlighted that Thailand has a training centre for wellness and spas and is open to the public and private sectors of Macao to visit to develop labour cooperation in this field, which can also support the Macao workforce.

"This is a major opportunity for Thai workers! Macao is growing, and Thai workers are in high demand. Get ready to enter the global labour market!" concluded DG Boonsong.

Other key officials also joined the occasion:

1. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour,
2. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment,
3. Decha Phrukphatthanarak, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development,
4. Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare,
5. Marasri Jairangsi, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office,
6. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and
7. The Ministry of Labour’s executives. 

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Lead image / Thailand's Ministry of Labour