In a landmark move to combat the nation’s digital talent shortage and bolster its economic competitiveness, Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) has officially launched its “Digital Skill Roadmap,” a comprehensive framework designed to produce over one million digitally skilled professionals annually through strategic public-private partnerships and substantial tax incentives for the private sector.
BANGKOK – The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is spearheading a transformative initiative to reshape Thailand’s workforce, announcing the launch of the Digital Skill Roadmap mechanism with an initial offering of over 100 officially registered courses. In a significant collaboration with the Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Department, the program introduces compelling tax incentives for businesses that invest in upskilling their employees or hiring new talent certified under this framework, directly addressing critical industry demands and accelerating the nation’s digital transformation.
The announcement was made by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa, during a major event at the agency’s headquarters on June 30, 2025. The event drew executives from a wide spectrum of government agencies, private corporations, and academic institutions, all gathering to witness the unveiling of a plan positioned as crucial for the country’s future.
In a powerful keynote speech titled “Digital Skill Roadmap: Thai People Learn, Thailand Survives,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon emphasized that workforce development is a cornerstone of depa’s mission. He stressed the agency’s ongoing commitment, driven through extensive collaboration with its network of partners, to ensure that all citizens, regardless of age or background, have the opportunity to acquire and apply digital skills effectively.
“Driving tangible Digital Transformation relies on three key factors: Digital Disruption, Infrastructure, and Manpower, with human capital being the most critical element,” stated Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon. “The Digital Skill Roadmap designed by depa brings together global tech leaders to co-develop curricula, while other sectors with specific skill demands can also participate in shaping these programs, forming a ‘Train for the Future’ process.”
A Multi-Pronged Strategy: Tax Incentives and Industry-Driven Curricula
At the heart of the economic strategy are powerful fiscal measures designed to spur corporate investment in digital talent. Through its partnership with the Revenue Department, depa has established a two-fold tax incentive system:
- Upskilling Existing Employees: Businesses that enroll their current staff in training programs registered under the Digital Skill Roadmap are eligible for a corporate income tax deduction of up to 250% on the expenses incurred. This super-deduction significantly lowers the financial barrier for companies to invest in continuous professional development.
- Hiring New Digital Talent: Companies that hire individuals possessing digital skills aligned with the roadmap, as specified in the Revenue Department’s Notification No. 440, will receive a corporate income tax deduction of up to 150% on the salary expenses for these new hires. This incentive is applicable for salary expenses capped at 100,000 THB per person per month, for a maximum period of 12 months, directly encouraging the creation of high-value jobs.
The educational core of the roadmap is built on collaboration. depa has partnered with a host of leading global and local technology companies to ensure the course curricula are relevant, up-to-date, and meet the precise needs of the industry. These programs span critical, high-demand fields such as AI & Data, Cloud computing, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing, among others.
The initiative was further strengthened by a panel discussion at the launch event, “Skill Matters: The Digital Skills the World Demands and Thai People Must Have.” The panel featured prominent executives from global tech giants like Ms. Supharat Juraromkhon, Director of AI Skills Development at Microsoft (Thailand), and Ms. Varunee Ratchatapattanakul, Head of Public Policy for Asia Pacific and Japan at SAP. They were joined by leaders from Thailand’s own tech scene, including Ms. Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, CEO and Co-Founder of Techsauce Media, and Mr. Ochawin Chirasottikul, CEO and Founder of FutureSkill, underscoring the deep industry-wide support for the initiative. A special session on the specifics of the tax benefits was also presented by Mr. Kasapon Singprasert, a Senior Tax Specialist from the Revenue Department, providing clarity to businesses.
Structured Learning for a Diverse Workforce
Recognizing that the digital skills gap exists at all levels, the roadmap’s courses are structured into three distinct categories to cater to a wide range of learners:
- Digital Skill for All: Foundational courses designed to equip the general public with essential digital literacy for everyday life and work.
- Digital-driven Career: Intermediate-level skills tailored for modern, technology-augmented careers across various industries.
- Digital Professional: Advanced and specialized training for individuals pursuing or advancing in dedicated digital professions, such as data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, or cloud architect.
This tiered approach ensures a clear pathway for individuals, from basic competency to professional mastery, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
National Accessibility and Ambitious Future Goals
To ensure equitable access for all Thais, the initiative is supported by the depa Digital Manpower Fund, which provides “digital skill coupons” to help offset course costs. Interested citizens can easily explore the list of over 100 endorsed programs and claim these valuable coupons through the government’s “Tang Rat” mobile application. Alternatively, a full directory of registered courses is available for public viewing on the Techhunt website at Techhunt
depa has set ambitious targets for the program, aiming to expand the number of endorsed digital skill courses to over 500 by the year 2027. The ultimate objective is to cultivate a sustained pipeline of talent, producing at least one million skilled individuals per year.
To further promote the roadmap, depa and its partners are embarking on a nationwide roadshow, bringing awareness and knowledge about critical technologies like AI and Cloud to four key regions. The roadshow is scheduled for Songkhla (July 1), Chiang Mai (July 3), Chonburi (July 8), and Khon Kaen (July 15).
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon concluded with a vision for the nation’s future, stating, “These skilled individuals will become a vital driving force for enhancing business opportunities, not only by increasing organizational productivity but also by contributing advanced expertise to elevate Thailand’s digital products and services to international standards. This, in turn, will attract greater investment into the country. Ultimately, depa’s comprehensive efforts will serve as a key mechanism to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness. We must begin today to ensure that Thailand can thrive in the digital era when Thais learn, Thailand survives.”
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