Bangkok: The government is advancing its "Study with Funding, Graduate with Job" program, which includes the "3 Universities Abroad" initiative, by sending the first batch of students to Japan for internships this June. This initiative aims to provide students with income while studying and enhance their skills for the global job market.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Ministry of Labour is implementing the "Study with Budget, Graduate with Job" policy through the "3 M's Abroad (Have a Job, Have Money, Have a Qualification)" project. This initiative is designed to enhance the potential of Thai workers to meet international labor market demands by fostering collaboration between the Department of Employment, educational institutions, and private sector companies abroad. The project offers students the chance to study and gain practical work experience, earn income, and achieve academic qualifications and work experience abroad.
The Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with Southeast Bangkok University and Shimizu Farm, is currently preparing to send the first group of 14 students to Japan for agricultural supply chain internships by June 2026. The program includes comprehensive training in Japanese language, work skills, culture, labor standards, safety, and benefits, ensuring students are well-equipped to adapt to the international labor market effectively.
The project is structured in three operational phases. The short-term phase focuses on accelerating cooperation with universities, sending the first cohort of students, and developing a standards manual. The medium-term phase aims to expand into new target countries such as South Korea and Taiwan, along with developing a student database system. The long-term phase will promote the "3 Universities Abroad" project as a central mechanism for developing the Thai workforce for the global market. Pilot target countries and potential sectors include Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other countries in key industries such as agriculture and fisheries, logistics, manufacturing, services and tourism, and digital technology. Expected outcomes include students developing language and professional skills, earning income and experience during internships, and upgrading the skills of the Thai workforce to meet global market demands, thereby enhancing the country's competitiveness and economic stability.