An ageing society. A shrinking workforce. A political system filled with instability. And a rising proportion of Thailand’s talents are voluntarily choosing to leave. But why should they stay? To earn lower wages in rigid hierarchies? To remain stagnant in environments with limited growth opportunities and constant instability? Today’s generations have different needs, goals and aspirations, and Thailand must wake up and recognise this. Unless the system begins to truly value growth, opportunity, and stability, brain drain won’t become brain gain. So here is the bottom line: Thailand must give its best and brightest a reason to stay, or risk losing the future.
Firstly, what is brain drain? The concept refers to the migration of skilled individuals from their home countries for reasons such as more career opportunities, higher wages, or an improved quality of life. Trends show an increasing threat to the nation’s economic resilience, demographic stability and long-term growth.
Emigration rates declined steadily between 2016 and 2019; however, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reversed this trend extensively. Between June to July in 2020, the number of emigrants increased by 4 times the average, from approximately 500 to over 2,000 in a single month. Whilst these numbers may also include expats returning home amid the pandemic, the pattern continued through the following year, with annual emigration numbers climbing to almost 110,000 according to the Overseas Employment Administration Division.
The increase in emigration was also correlated with the rise of domestic protests in 2021. Widespread disruptions occurred across the nation as the population, particularly the younger generation, demanded democratic change from military rule. This desperation for change was visible online. A Thai Facebook group called “Let’s Move Abroad” rapidly grew to over half a million members in just four days, before being shut down by the government. Other countries, such as Sweden, Japan, and Norway, used the moment to promote their labour rights, welfare systems, and career opportunities, aiming to attract Thai talent. This shows that the risk of brain drain is not only driven by the willingness of Thais to leave, but also by the active efforts of other nations to draw them away.
