Source: Prepared by HS-TECH

Summary of Foreign Workers Holding Work Permits in Thailand (2014–2025)

The graph shows the number of foreign workers holding work permits in Thailand between 2014 and 2025, categorized into five main countries: Japan, China, the Philippines, India, and the United Kingdom (UK).

According to the data, the total number of foreign workers in these groups has shown a steady upward trend, reaching its highest level in over a decade in 2025, with more than 120,000 workers.

China has the largest number of workers, increasing continuously from 16,848 in 2014 to 55,413 in 2025, reflecting mainly the expansion of Chinese automotive businesses and investments in Thailand.

Japan, once a major source of foreign skilled workers, has shown a gradual decline—from 36,666 workers in 2015 to 21,897 in 2025—possibly due to changes in Japanese investment structures and production bases in Thailand.

The Philippines and India both show a steady increase. Workers from these countries play important roles in services, information technology, and education sectors, reflecting the Thai labor market’s adaptation to the growing demand for skilled international labor.

The number of workers from the United Kingdom (UK) remains relatively stable throughout the period, at around 9,000–10,000 per year. Although the number is comparatively small, UK workers are often employed in specialized or consulting positions, which continue to be in demand in the Thai labor market.

 Source: Prepared by HS-TECH with ggplot2

 Overall, the number of foreign skilled workers in Thailand shows a significant upward trend, especially following the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend is expected to continue in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for skilled and professional foreign labor across various industries.