The primary aim of the project is to vigorously create policy recommendations to the Royal Thai Government and related policy makers regarding employment prospects of foreign retirees in Thailand. Key objective is three-fold 1. to increase employers' demands for foreign retirees 2. to enhance competencies and employability skills of foreign retirees and 3. to formulate a master plan on Promoting Employment of Foreign Retirees in Thailand. The project will be implemented by empowering and increasing the roles of existing related national committees which the project leader is now an active member. The committees and project members will work closely in order to communicate effectively with foreign retirees, employers, policy makers and other stakeholders. It is expected that the draft master plan will be accepted by the Government.

Thailand as a Hospitable and Inclusive Retirement Destination: Promoting Job Prospects of Foreign Retirees in Thailand

Thailand is one of the tourist attractions, especially for retirees in various reasons. The majority of foreign retirees mostly come from developed countries where the utilization of technology reaches the maximum level. Therefore, it is hope that the transfer of knowledge and skills from experience foreign retirees could bring lesson learnt and benefit to the country. Under the study, the focus group discussions and desk review were the methodology. It found that law and legislation become the main barrier since every foreigner who wish to work must apply for non-immigrant visa (type B) with the certify statement from prospect employers, while other type of foreign retirees are not eligible to work. Although the law is prohibiting, becoming a ‘volunteer’ is another option. The tripartite method is proposed for this study. The strong linkage of involved parties – government, employers and retiree volunteers must be driven for the sustainability. In addition, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) shall be take initiation as the main facilitator to cooperate with all parties including the government from origin countries. The proposed process may not happen in the nearly future, however the pilot area could possibly launched in some selected high employment rate location. Both direct and indirect evaluation must be adopted to bring the ‘win-win situation’ to all parties.