Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening of the 29th ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings in Bangkok today (Aug 26), calling for internationally recognized skills certification to improve employment opportunities and labor mobility. The meetings will continue through August 28 under the theme “ASEAN Human Capital Development: Skills Certification Towards International Recognition.”

With nearly 700 million people and a workforce of more than 357 million, ASEAN has one of the world’s largest pools of human capital. Anutin identified workforce skills as central to the region’s future competitiveness as artificial intelligence, greener economies, and aging societies reshape employment and increase demand for digital, AI, green, and care-economy skills.

Thailand is advancing its Skill Bridge program to connect lifelong learning with employment and higher incomes through mechanisms including the Credit Bank system and Recognition of Prior Learning. The approach allows knowledge and skills gained through education, work, and practical experience to receive formal recognition. Thailand is also promoting regional certification of ASEAN skills training curricula, skills standards, and Centers of Excellence.

More than 350 participants are attending, including labor ministers and senior officials from ASEAN member states, representatives from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, the ASEAN secretary-general, and representatives of international organizations.