Current Status and Issues for Japanese Firms Expanding into Thailand: From the Perspective of Local Core Human Resource Development

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is the debate on human resource development and the investment and expansion of Japanese firms in Thailand, with the aim of providing suggestions on the aspect of human resource development in Japanese firms operating in Thailand. Design/Methodology/Approach - Based on the contents of a field survey in Thailand, the current situation of local human resource development of Japanese firms was ascertained and examined through comparison with Chinese and Korean human resource development in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Mongolia. Findings - The surveys themselves reveal that the timing of the determination of core personnel tends to be later and the positions to which they are promoted tend to be lower in Japanese firms than in Chinese and Korean firms in Asia. Further research and analysis are required on how this affects the corporate management of local subsidiaries. Research Implications - Human resource development and personnel evaluation are clearly defined and systemized, and clear compensation is provided. The motivation of capable personnel can be expected to increase, and they can be expected to demonstrate their abilities.