Factors Influencing the Employability of Chinese Overseas Graduates in Thailand

Abstract

The rapid expansion of China–Thailand educational cooperation and Thailand’s digital transformation under the Thailand 4.0 policy have created both opportunities and challenges for Chinese graduates from Thai universities. However, empirical evidence regarding their employability remains limited. This study aimed to (1) examine the overall level of employability among Chinese fresh graduates from Thai universities and (2) investigate the influence of demographic characteristics and digital transformation on employability. Quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from 382 Chinese undergraduate and master’s graduates who completed their studies at Thai universities during 2024–2025. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The research instrument demonstrated satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.856). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed that the overall employability level of respondents was moderately high (M = 3.65, SD = 0.72). Career development capacity showed the highest mean score, while work–life balance capacity had the lowest. Language competence emerged as a major strength, whereas practical professional skills remained a key weakness. Educational level was found to significantly predict language ability and career planning capacity, whereas gender, age, marital status, and internship experience showed no significant effects on most employability dimensions. In addition, graduates intending to work in Thailand demonstrated significantly higher employability than those planning to work in China or other regions. The findings provide practical implications for universities, employers, and policymakers in improving talent development programs, employability enhancement initiatives, and cross-border employment support mechanisms for Chinese graduates in Thailand.