Thailand Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Thailand's youth unemployment was 4.53% in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Thailand's youth unemployment stood at 4.53% in 2025, a decline of +0.13pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.99% by 2026. Thailand ranked 24th globally.
Thailand’s youth unemployment rate stood at 4.53 % in 2025, placing the country 24th worldwide according to World Bank data. Over the 35‑year series, the indicator has moved from an early level of 5.09 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 8.06 % in 1999, a period marked by the Asian financial crisis, before falling to a trough of 1.23 % in 2013 as the labour market recovered and vocational training expanded. The recent figure is slightly above Cuba’s 4.28 % and below Guatemala’s 4.76 %, suggesting Thailand remains close to its regional peers in the lower‑mid range of youth joblessness. The decline from the 1999 high to the current level reflects sustained macro‑economic growth, demographic shifts, and policy measures aimed at integrating young workers into emerging sectors. Continued investment in skills development and digital economies will be pivotal to maintaining the downward trajectory and preventing a reversal of the gains achieved since the early 2010s.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 3.35% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 3.67% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 3.99% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.53% | −0.13pp | #24 |
| 2024 | 4.66% | +0.17pp | #25 |
| 2023 | 4.49% | −0.72pp | #25 |
| 2022 | 5.21% | −0.65pp | #24 |
| 2021 | 5.86% | +0.66pp | #25 |
| 2020 | 5.20% | +1.01pp | #23 |
| 2019 | 4.19% | +0.18pp | #20 |
| 2018 | 4.01% | −0.36pp | #17 |
| 2017 | 4.37% | +0.66pp | #18 |
| 2016 | 3.71% | +0.62pp | #15 |
| 2015 | 3.09% | −0.02pp | #10 |
| 2014 | 3.11% | +1.88pp | #12 |
| 2013 | 1.23% | −1.53pp | #3 |
| 2012 | 2.76% | −0.19pp | #11 |
| 2011 | 2.95% | +0.35pp | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Thailand matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Thailand's youth unemployment was 4.53% in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from the previous year.
Thailand's youth unemployment peaked at 8.07% in 1999.
The lowest youth unemployment in Thailand was 1.23% in 2013.
Thailand ranks 24th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Thailand's youth unemployment is projected to reach 3.99% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Thailand in 2025 was 4.53%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_thailand_youth-unemployment,
title = {Thailand Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/thailand/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}