Only 103 people registered for the job fair, held at Phuket Grocery’s Thalang branch on Jan 16, with 76 securing jobs immediately, the Phuket Provincial Employment Office confirmed.
The fair offered more than 1,500 vacancies from 24 employers across 58 job categories, meaning just 6.6% of available positions were filled on the day. Attendance was sharply down from last year’s event at Robinson Chalong, which drew an estimated 600-700 participants.
Somchok Sri-ngernthom, head of the Labour Specialist Division at the Phuket Provincial Employment Office, said the turnout met the agency’s target of 100 job seekers and attributed the lower numbers largely to venue location and transport access.
“When events are held in city areas with convenient transport, participation is much higher,” Mr Somchok said, noting that last year’s fair in Chalong nearly overwhelmed the venue.
He said around 270 people visited the Thalang event throughout the day, though fewer than half formally registered for jobs.
Despite the lower turnout, Mr Somchok said the high placement rate showed the event was effective.
“Those who attended were serious job seekers and were able to match directly with employers,” he said, adding that the office aims to rotate job fairs across different areas of Phuket to support local businesses.
Demand at the fair was strongest for shop staff, administrative roles, food and beverage service and general management positions.
Mr Somchok said the employment office also prioritises job placement for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and ex-convicts, with some cases monitored after placement to ensure long-term stability.
Looking ahead, he said another job fair is planned between June and August this year, with further improvements to registration and screening processes, including pre-registration and a move towards paperless applications.
Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo, who attended the event, said Phuket’s tourism-driven economy continues to generate strong demand for workers, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors.
“This job fair plays an important role in promoting employment and reducing labour shortages in the province,” he said.