Launching 100 New Courses
Building a Digital Workforce
On July 1, 2025, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) introduced 100 courses under Thailand’s digital skills roadmap, targeting the creation of over 1 million digital talents annually. Partnering with global and local tech giants, these courses focus on critical areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. The initiative aims to address Thailand’s digital skills gap, with the digital business sector growing at 13% annually, far outpacing the 1.4% growth in skilled professionals, per depa estimates.
Tax Incentives for Upskilling
Encouraging Business Participation
In collaboration with the Revenue Department, depa offers tax incentives to boost digital skills development. Businesses enrolling employees in these certified courses can deduct up to 250% of training expenses from corporate income tax. Additionally, companies hiring graduates with digital skills can claim a 150% tax deduction on salaries, capped at 100,000 baht per person monthly for 12 months. These measures aim to incentivize workforce development, aligning with Thailand’s goal to lead in the global digital economy.
Addressing Industry Demands
Bridging the Skills Gap
The digital skills roadmap tackles Thailand’s acute shortage of qualified professionals, with only 46% of the 13,000 annual digital graduates entering tech roles, per depa data. By focusing on high-demand fields like AI and blockchain, the initiative prepares workers for nine emerging industries, including gaming and digital farming. Depa plans to expand to 500 courses by 2027, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent to meet the needs of Thailand’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Accessible Learning for All
Three-Tiered Course Structure
Depa’s courses are designed for learners at all levels, categorized into three groups: foundational digital skills for all, skills for modern tech-driven careers, and advanced training for specialized digital professions. The “Digital Skill for ALL” program targets 1 million people with basic literacy via e-learning platforms, while 80,000 graduates will gain skills for future careers, and 20,000 will master six advanced competencies. This inclusive approach ensures broad access, from youth to disadvantaged groups like the elderly.
Streamlined Access to Training
Digital Skills Coupons Available
Individuals can explore and enroll in courses through the Tang Rat app or depa’s dedicated tech platform, offering digital skills coupons to offset costs. Depa subsidizes 70% of training expenses for students, graduates, and unemployed individuals, making education affordable. With 10 million taxpayers eligible for a 100,000 baht personal income tax deduction on course fees, the initiative encourages widespread participation, fostering lifelong learning across Thailand’s 67 million population.
Strategic Vision for Growth
Driving Economic Competitiveness
Depa president Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin emphasized workforce development as a top priority, aligning with Thailand’s 20-year digital economy roadmap aiming for global leadership by 2036. Partnerships with tech leaders like Microsoft and Google, alongside universities, enhance course quality and relevance. By equipping citizens with skills in IoT, data science, and 5G, depa aims to bolster job creation and economic growth, positioning Thailand as a digital hub in ASEAN.
