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Published on November 7, 2007

PTT Group alone needs more than 3,000 highly skilled welders for its planned petrochemical projects in Rayong, said Suchin Katavut, president of the trade association.

Thai welders are in hot demand because with wages of Bt400 to Bt500 per hour, they cost one-seventh what European counterparts earn, he said.

"Fifteen years ago, when the petrochemical industry was booming, we faced a shortage of welders and needed to get some from other countries," he said.

Thai welders are sought after abroad, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, as their ability is recognised by giant firms like Chevron and Woodside, Australia's largest publicly traded oil and gas exploration and production company.

"Now we're focusing on increasing the supply of skilled welders with the Skills Development Department, so that there are enough to serve domestic and international industries," said Suchin.

The society has also received transfers of know-how and advanced technology from the Japan Welding Society and Japan Welding Engineering Society.

The society has about registered 100,000 welders. The Office of Skill Standards and Testing has established 12 training centres nationwide to develop technicians in all fields, said director Revat Kamnuansin.

It also has a project to train technicians in the three southernmost provinces, in order to provide them with careers and send them to work in Arab countries, he said.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul, The Nation