Eastern Seaboard: Businesses in the region lean on technology to build lean, agile teams

Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard faced many challenges in 2025. Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions made companies rethink supply chains and location plans. ESG and sustainability goals added extra pressure. At the same time, AI and digital transformation changed workflows and traditional ways of working.

These factors made employers focus on agility, training, and flexible hiring, especially as the market continued to face labour shortages. More investments went into multilingual HR systems and inclusive benefits, helping businesses attract and keep diverse talent.

Still, talent remained selective. Professionals with skills in data analytics, AI, and ESG could command higher pay. Financial stability, growth opportunities, flexibility, mental health support, social impact, and purpose were top priorities for candidates when looking at new jobs.

“Economic and geopolitical uncertainty will continue, so companies need to stay adaptable. Trends such as ESG, flexible work, AI and automation, and upskilling are here to stay,” says Natiya Saul, Director at Robert Walters Thailand.

Read on to learn more about the labour market and hiring trends for Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard in 2026.

Flexible teams, shorter jobs, and tech-driven hiring

Given economic uncertainty, more automation, and rising global competition, Natiya believes companies will need to be more flexible to keep up with the market. This is expected to lead to shorter job roles, with contract positions becoming more common in logistics, manufacturing, and tech. Digital transformation and ESG projects will rely on project-based hires, while the creative and digital sectors will see more freelance and gig work.

As technology adoption grows, demand for highly skilled talent will keep rising. This is especially true in industries like smart electronics, industrial robotics, electric vehicles, and AI applications.

AI will also change the hiring process, making it faster and easier for candidates. Companies are expected to focus on skills first, looking for the right mix of technical abilities and soft skills, rather than just formal qualifications.

Using AI for an added edge in recruitment

With strong competition for talent, companies are using technology to improve hiring. AI will continue to play a bigger role next year, beyond common uses like resume screening and matching candidates to jobs.

For example, chatbots help engage candidates by answering common questions, scheduling interviews, and sending updates in real time in both Thai and English.

Natiya expects AI will be used even more in the future. She says, “Some companies are already using AI to analyse video interviews to reduce bias. The technology can also predict how well a candidate might perform and how likely they are to stay long-term. These insights help companies make better hiring decisions and plan their workforce more effectively.”

Work with experts to identify key levers in talent management

Competition for top talent is very strong. The Eastern Seaboard still has shortages of skilled workers in several areas. While remote work has made it easier to find talent, companies now have to compete with businesses across borders to hire the right people. Rising costs also reduce profits and make it harder to meet the changing expectations of younger workers.

Therefore, Natiya recommends that companies take a full approach to attracting and keeping talent. 

A strong employer brand is important for both current and potential employees. Efforts around equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) show that the company values fairness and purpose.

She also advises reviewing pay and benefits to make sure they match the market. For retention, companies should invest in training and offer clear career paths to keep employees motivated. Flexible work arrangements should be offered wherever possible.

“From executive search to contracting, outsourcing, market research, and leadership coaching, every business has different needs. I recommend working with professionals to find the strategies that will make the biggest impact on hiring and workforce management,” she concludes.

Strategic shifts in packages

Salaries are expected to rise steadily in 2026, continuing the current upward trend.

In the Eastern Seaboard, the high-tech and industrial sectors are still shaping how compensation packages are structured, setting the standard for other industries. As Natiya notes, “More companies will include performance-based incentives and employee wellness programs. These offerings help reward and retain talent while adapting to economic and demographic changes.”

Find out more

Request access to our 2026 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about key hiring trends in Thailand, Eastern Seaboard.