On 13 September 2024, Ms. Panisa Harnpathananun, Director of Higher Education Innovation and Future Skills Development Division at NXPO, spoke at a virtual workshop co-hosted by the Digital Council of Thailand and the UN Global Compact Network Thailand (UNGCNT). The event focused on providing UNGCNT members with insights into the certification of STEM training courses and STEM employment supporting the STEM workforce development initiative.
In the opening session, M.R. Nongkran Chompoonut, Chairman of the Digital Council of Thailand, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the cooperation between the Digital Council, NXPO, and UNGCNT to encourage UNGCNT members and enterprises to invest in STEM workforce development. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Thai industries while offering tax incentives. Dr. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth, Executive Director of UNGCNT, further highlighted that the tax benefits for STEM workforce development and employment are provided through the Thailand Plus Package and supported by the STEMPlus platform.
Ms. Panisa discussed investment benefits aimed at promoting STEM workforce development under the Thailand Plus Package, which is now in its third phase (2023-2025). Enterprises in target industries can claim corporate income tax deductions for engaging in STEM workforce development and employment. Salaries of newly hired STEM employees from 1 January 2023 onward, are eligible for a 150% tax deduction, whereas training expenses spent on MHESI-certified courses are entitled to a 250% tax deduction.
Ms. Panisa discussed investment benefits aimed at promoting STEM workforce development under the Thailand Plus Package, which is now in its third phase (2023-2025). Enterprises in target industries can claim corporate income tax deductions for engaging in STEM workforce development and employment. Salaries of newly hired STEM employees from 1 January 2023 onward, are eligible for a 150% tax deduction, whereas training expenses spent on MHESI-certified courses are entitled to a 250% tax deduction.
Ms. Panisa also introduced the STEMPlus platform (www.stemplus.or.th), a comprehensive resource for STEM workforce development. She demonstrated how businesses can navigate the platform to apply for tax deductions, from document preparation to submission. The platform offers a wide array of services, including access to over 1,000 certified training courses and opportunities for networking with leading companies.
