Economy
Government Officials Visit SIMTEC to Advance Workforce Development
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas visited the Sumipol Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTEC) to discuss workforce upskilling initiatives for modern industry.
On September 21, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, accompanied by BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi and Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong, visited the Sumipol Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTEC) at the Amata City Rayong industrial estate. The visit focused on the 'Skill Bridge' initiative, a program designed to upskill the workforce to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
During the visit, Governor Naris highlighted Chonburi’s role as a critical economic hub within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), emphasizing that long-term investment success depends on aligning human capital development with industrial needs. SIMTEC executives presented their operational overview, which centers on practical, hands-on training for manufacturing personnel. The discussions also covered the progress of SIMTEC’s application for BOI support under the Skill Bridge measure, which aims to cultivate high-skilled labor for advanced industrial sectors.
For residents and expatriates, this visit underscores the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the industrial ecosystem in the Eastern Seaboard. While the initiative aims to bolster the local economy and attract high-tech investment, the specific timeline for the full implementation of the Skill Bridge program and its measurable impact on local employment rates remain to be confirmed. This development reflects a broader strategy to transition Thailand toward a more sophisticated, technology-driven manufacturing landscape.
