Thailand is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s strongest employee engagement performers, with workplace engagement climbing from 15% in 2014 to 34% in 2025, according to Gallup.
The increase is the largest recorded in Southeast Asia over that period and places Thailand well above both the regional average of 25% and the global average of 20%.
Thailand Pulls Ahead of Regional Peers
Gallup’s data shows Thailand now ranks among the most engaged workforces in the region after more than a decade of steady gains.
Indonesia posted the second-largest engagement increase in Southeast Asia since 2014, rising 18 points to 27%, while Malaysia and Myanmar saw smaller increases.
The rise comes as Thailand continues expanding sectors tied to digital services, foreign investment, and workforce development initiatives aimed at preparing employees for newer industries and higher-skilled jobs.
Most Workers Still Not Fully Engaged
Despite the gains, most Thai employees still fall into Gallup’s “not engaged” category. Around 60% of workers are considered psychologically detached from their work, though that figure has improved significantly from more than 80% a decade ago.
The share of actively disengaged employees also remains relatively low at 5%, down from pandemic-era highs recorded during 2021 and 2022.
Worker Wellbeing Also Improving
Employee wellbeing in Thailand has also recovered in recent years. Gallup found that 41% of Thai employees now classify as “thriving,” above the Southeast Asia average.
That recovery follows a sharp drop in wellbeing earlier in the decade, showing that workplace engagement and broader life satisfaction do not always move in parallel.
Job Market Confidence Recovers, But Caution Remains
Confidence in Thailand’s local job market has rebounded since pandemic lows. In 2025, 56% of Thai employees said it was a good time to find a job locally, up significantly from pandemic-era readings.
Still, optimism remains below pre-2015 levels and trails the Southeast Asian average, reflecting slower economic growth in the post-pandemic period despite relatively low unemployment.
