Public Policy in Developing Workforce Skill for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Abstract

     The objectives of research were 1) to study government policies related to workforce skill development for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangkok Metropolis,  2) to investigate the skill development needs of SME entrepreneurs in Bangkok Metropolis, 3) to identify the problem, success factors and guidelines for use in driving government policies to enhance workforce skills in SMEs in Bangkok Metropolis. A qualitative research approach was employed. Data were collected from 20 key informants, categorized into four groups: SME entrepreneurs, relevant associations or organizations, government agencies, and academicians or experts in workforce skill development.
     The research results revealed that 1) although the existing government policies were well-formulated, their dissemination remained insufficient, resulting in limited awareness among business establishments regarding their benefits, which in turn led to a lack of interest or commitment to policy implementation; 2) the primary workforce skill development needs of SME entrepreneurs in Bangkok Metropolis encompassed both job-specific skills or hard skills (digital literacy and vocational skills and interpersonal skills that influenced the organizational environment or soft skills teamwork and communication); 3) the key guidelines for use in driving government policies included (1) the Ministry of Labour must integrate collaborative efforts among the private sector, civil society, and the workforce while implementing policies or measures to facilitate SME access to funding for business or workforce skill development, (2) the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) must promote widespread dissemination of government policies and fostering confidence among business establishments, and (3) the Department of Skill Development must support and promote regional-level activities or programs, expanding digital and vocational skills training, teamwork and communication skills training, as well as prioritizing training sessions on weekends and providing financial support for travel expenses; and (4) the key success factors for driving government policies included integrating collaboration among the public sector, private sector, civil society; and the workforce, setting clear goals, equitably and comprehensively allocating resources and budgets; ensuring consistent and continuous policy dissemination; and maintaining  monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation. A major problem currently faced by SMEs in Thailand was the shortage of skilled labor.
 
Article history: Received 14 April 2025        
                            Revised 19 May 2025    
                            Accepted 21 May 2025    
                            SIMILARITY INDEX = 5.68 %