Thailand leads the world in promoting equality within the workplace.   According to a 2013 report published by Grant Thornton, forty-nine percent of the executives in Thailand are women.  In comparison, the average globally is twenty-four percent which clearly identifies that Thailand is one of the most progressive countries in the world.  Particularly interesting is the comparison between Thailand and G7 countries who often claim to be “ahead of the curve” yet the percentage of women in senior roles is only twenty one percent.

Here is a list outlining the percentages of women in senior level management roles around the world:

  • Thailand: Women are responsible for thirty six percent of senior management roles.
  • Japan: Women are responsible for five percent of senior management roles.
  • United Kingdom: Women are responsible for nineteen percent of senior management roles.
  • United States of America: Women are responsible for twenty percent of senior management roles.
  • China:Women are responsible for fifty-one percent of senior management roles.
  • Russian: Women are responsible for forty-six percent of senior management roles.
  • Germany: Women are responsible for thirteen percent of senior management roles.
  • India: Women are responsible for fourteen percent of senior level management roles.
  • United Arab Emirates: Women are responsible for fifteen percent of senior level management roles.
  • France: Women are responsible for twenty-four percent of senior level management roles.
  • Denmark: Women are responsible for fifteen percent of senior level management roles.

What’s interesting is what countries comprise the ten lowest employers of women in senior management roles:  United Kingdom: 20%, Argentina: 20%, Mexico: 18%, Netherlands: 18%, United States: 17%, United Arab Emirates: 15%, Denmark: 15%, India: 14%, Germany: 13%, Japan: 5%.

Here are how certain regions around the world compare in providing senior management positions to women:

  •  Europe: women occupy twenty-four percent of senior management positions.
  • ASEAN: women occupy thirty-two percent of senior management positions.

Percentage of businesses that have no women in senior management positions globally: 34%

Percentage of female CEOs globally: 9%

Senior management positions that women have the greatest presence: Human Resource Director: 21%, Chief Financial Officer: 13%, Controller: 13%, Chief Operating Officer: 12%, Chief Executive Officer: 9%, Head of Sales: 8%, Chief Marketing Officer: 8%, Chief Information Officer: 5%, Office Manager: 5%, Partner: 3%

Employment Statistics for Women in Thailand:

  • Female Labor Participation: 66%
  • Percentage of Workforce that is female: 46%
  • Required paid maternity leave: 90 days (100% of first 45 days and 50% for the rest)
  • Thailand ranks in the top five life-focused countries in NOP World’s Work-life Index, spending on average 47.4 hours/week at work and 54.1 total hours/week at play making Thailand very family friendly for female professionals.
  • Sanuk which translates into “love of fun” is a philosophy that has greater importance than “all work and no play” atmosphere.  In Thailand, work that is not fun is seen as something not worthwhile.

How Thailand Can Increase the Percentage of Females in Senior Level Management Positions

Flexible work arrangements are not something that has received much attention or demand in Thailand.  In addition, it is not common practice throughout the country.  For those unfamiliar with the flexible work arrangements available for women, they consist of offering Thai women the ability to work at home and the opportunity to take a leave of absence(without pay).  As the practice develops greater awareness in Thailand, it is fully expected that more companies and Thai women will seek out opportunities that allow them to enjoy work environments that offer a better work and home life balance.