Japan, Thailand sign new worker program
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jun 04, 2026 · Last updated Jun 10, 2026
The agreement between Japan and Thailand is expected to positively impact the labor markets of both countries by providing structured training and employment opportunities for Thai workers in Japan. This could alleviate labor shortages in Japan and offer economic benefits to Thailand through remittances and skills development. The broader plan to update agreements with other countries like Vietnam and Indonesia suggests a significant shift in Japan's foreign labor policy, potentially affecting regional labor dynamics and the economies of these partner nations.
Japan and Thailand have signed a memorandum of cooperation for Japan's new skill development and employment program for foreign workers, set to begin in April 2027. This program will replace Japan's existing technical intern system, which has faced criticism for worker abuse. Thailand is the first country to partner with Japan under this new framework, which revises a 2019 agreement. Under the new arrangement, Japan will certify employment plans from participating companies, while Thai authorities will certify recruitment and training agencies. The agreement also allows Japan to suspend certifications if worker numbers exceed sector-specific quotas. As of late 2025, 11,672 Thai trainees were in Japan. The Japan — Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced the signing, and Japan plans to update similar memorandums with 16 other partner countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia.
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