Thailand Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Thailand's labor force participation was 66.68% in 2025, ranked 47th globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Thailand's labor force participation stood at 66.68% in 2025, a decline of +0.45pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66.97% by 2026. Thailand ranked 47th globally.
Thailand's labor force participation rate has experienced a downward trend over the past three decades, from its all-time peak of 75.50% in 1996 to the current rate of 66.68%, making it the 47th highest globally as of 2025. This decline is notable, especially when compared to peer countries such as Switzerland, which has maintained a relatively stable rate of 66.75%. The labor force participation rate in Thailand has not only fallen from its peak but also from its earlier rate of 75.21% in 1990, indicating a long-term decline. The current rate is also below the rates in countries like Cyprus, which has a rate of 66.96%. The decline in Thailand's labor force participation rate may be influenced by factors such as demographic changes, labor market conditions, and economic policies. A reversal in this trend could potentially occur if Thailand experiences significant improvements in its education system, job market conditions, or demographic factors, such as an increase in the working-age population.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.85% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.91% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 66.97% | - | - |
| 2025 | 66.68% | −0.45pp | #47 |
| 2024 | 67.13% | −0.68pp | #44 |
| 2023 | 67.81% | +0.63pp | #41 |
| 2022 | 67.18% | +0.23pp | #41 |
| 2021 | 66.95% | −0.07pp | #37 |
| 2020 | 67.02% | +0.08pp | #39 |
| 2019 | 66.94% | −0.86pp | #46 |
| 2018 | 67.80% | +0.27pp | #40 |
| 2017 | 67.53% | −0.79pp | #42 |
| 2016 | 68.32% | −0.95pp | #39 |
| 2015 | 69.27% | −0.52pp | #36 |
| 2014 | 69.79% | −0.18pp | #32 |
| 2013 | 69.97% | −2.86pp | #34 |
| 2012 | 72.83% | −0.40pp | #24 |
| 2011 | 73.23% | +1.57pp | #25 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Thailand matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Thailand's labor force participation was 66.68% in 2025. Ranked 47th globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from the previous year.
Thailand's labor force participation peaked at 75.50% in 1996.
The lowest labor force participation in Thailand was 66.68% in 2025.
Thailand ranks 47th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Thailand's labor force participation is projected to reach 66.97% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Thailand in 2025 was 66.68%. This ranks 47th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_thailand_labor-force-participation,
title = {Thailand Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/thailand/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}