Thailand Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Thailand's services employment was 49.21% in 2025, ranked 51st globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Thailand's services employment stood at 49.21% in 2025, a rise of +0.45% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 50.25% by 2026. Thailand ranked 51st globally.
Thailand’s share of employment in services rose from a low of 27.87 in 1992 to a high of 49.21 in 2025, reflecting a structural shift that has unfolded over 35 years. The 2025 figure of 49.21 places the country at rank 51 globally, just below peers such as Nigeria (49.46) and Georgia (49.48). The early 1990s trough coincided with a period of agricultural dominance and limited industrial diversification, while the steady climb thereafter mirrors rapid urbanisation, expansion of tourism, and growth of finance and information‑technology sectors. The all‑time peak reached in 2025 signals that services now account for almost half of Thailand’s labour force, a level comparable to other emerging economies undergoing similar transitions. Continued investment in digital infrastructure and skill development could sustain the upward trajectory, whereas a slowdown in global demand for tourism or a shift in trade patterns might temper further gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 51.88% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 51.07% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 50.25% | - | - |
| 2025 | 49.21% | +0.45% | #51 |
| 2024 | 48.76% | +0.90% | #51 |
| 2023 | 47.86% | +0.51% | #52 |
| 2022 | 47.34% | +1.51% | #51 |
| 2021 | 45.83% | −0.18% | #48 |
| 2020 | 46.01% | +0.39% | #51 |
| 2019 | 45.62% | +0.67% | #49 |
| 2018 | 44.95% | −0.62% | #50 |
| 2017 | 45.57% | +0.53% | #53 |
| 2016 | 45.05% | +1.10% | #52 |
| 2015 | 43.95% | +0.99% | #50 |
| 2014 | 42.95% | +3.51% | #49 |
| 2013 | 39.44% | +1.41% | #41 |
| 2012 | 38.03% | −1.52% | #40 |
| 2011 | 39.55% | −1.56% | #44 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Thailand matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Thailand's services employment was 49.21% in 2025. Ranked 51st globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
Thailand's services employment peaked at 49.21% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Thailand was 27.87% in 1992.
Thailand ranks 51st globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Thailand's services employment is projected to reach 50.25% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Thailand in 2025 was 49.21%. This ranks 51st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_thailand_services-employment,
title = {Thailand Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/thailand/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}