Minister Warawut revealed efforts to rapidly enhance Thai labor skills to accommodate the fast growth of electric vehicles (EVs), partnering with vocational schools and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to develop new skills in coding and electric motor repair, piloting the 'Suphanburi Model'.
26 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, disclosed at the Government House the approach to assist workers in the automotive sector impacted by the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, especially those involved with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles who may struggle to adapt quickly. The Ministry of Industry has planned a proactive strategy to systematically prepare the workforce with new skills to support this transition.
The first step involves accelerating cooperation and adjusting curricula to focus on future skills. The Ministry of Industry will coordinate closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to develop new knowledge for students, emphasizing skills essential for EVs such as coding and electric motor maintenance. This is because EV systems differ from traditional combustion engines, which focus on pistons or filters, whereas EVs primarily consist of motors, dynamos, and electrical systems.
Additionally, the Ministry has launched the Suphanburi Sandbox project linking education with the job market. For concrete implementation, the Minister of Industry has assigned the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to develop the Sandbox project in collaboration with technical colleges, vocational colleges, and polytechnic institutes in Suphanburi province to update teaching curricula to meet market standards. Graduates will be ready to enter the workforce immediately at over 5,000 companies within industrial estates. At the same time, the Ministry has established IEAT Academy with the Industrial Estate Authority as a central hub for upskilling and reskilling both entrepreneurs and new workers.
However, Minister Warawut emphasized that any workers wishing to improve their skills to keep pace with new technologies can directly seek support through the Industrial Estate Authority to ensure Thai workers are well-prepared and remain key drivers of the country’s green economy.