The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC, also known as “NESDB.”) proposed the idea to eastablish the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization), or TPQI, in 2004. The idea came from the Federation of Thai Industries’ proposal to the Prime Minister at that time to create a central collaboration hub between the private and public sectors. The goal was to enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of the national workforce to meet the skills demands of the industry. This initiative aimed to respond to the emerging open market competition.

                 The idea involved developing a framework and criteria for developing various levels of Professional Qualifications in order to define the competencies of the Thai workforce. Additionally, it sought to empower occupational groups to establish their own Occupational Standards, forming a foundation for workforce development at all levels. This approach would ensure that skills demands of employers would be met, thus adopting a demand-driven model.

                 The Prime Minister at that time approved and assigned the Ministry of Education to develop a project for establishing the "Thailand Professional Qualification Institute" and to draft the "Royal Decree on the Establishment of the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute" for submission to the Cabinet. However, due to concerns that the institute's missions could potentially overlap with the functions of the Ministry of Labor, the consideration was postponed.

                  In 2008, the government announced the Second Decade of Educational Reform Policy (2009–2018), aiming to support the production and development of the workforce in response to structural changes in agriculture, industry, commerce, and services. The objectives were revised to include the certification of Professional Qualifications -   which followed international practices. The Professional Qualifications would serve as a tool for measuring individuals' knowledge and skills. It became necessary to establish a framework and criteria for assessing the competencies of Thai workers  and measuring various levels of Professional Qualifications.

                 In addition, this would help to strengthen occupational groups and, enable them to establish Occupational Standards that would serve as guidelines for workforce development to meet employers' demands accurately. This initiative aimed to  drive the nation toward becoming a knowledge-based economy in which demand-driven workforce development would be a crucial factor, The successful implementation of this initiative required a workforce with sufficient “competencies” to support the advancement of knowledge-based production and services, as well as the development of new innovations.

                 “Competencies” must be measured in a systematic and standardized way to serve as an effective tool for developing the nation's workforce. This approach would promote and assist government agencies or public organizations in developing a workforce that  would better meets labor market demands, thereby enhancing the country's competitive capacity efficiently.

                 The Office of the Vocational Education Commission proposed the establishment of the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization) to develop the Professional Qualifications system in line with the Second Decade of Educational Reform Policy and to drive the knowledge-based economy. A draft Royal Decree on the Establishment of the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization) was prepared for submission by the Ministry of Education to the Cabinet for approval according to legal procedures. The Royal Decree establishing the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization) was enacted in 2011, as published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 128, Part 21 A, Page 5, on March 30, 2011. The Secretary-General of the Vocational Education Commission acted as the interim Director General   until the Cabinet appointed the Chairperson and the Board of Directors of TPQI on April 2, 2012. The first Ddirector General was appointed on June 18, 2012, and the Institute has continued to function from then onward. 

                 Human resources are a crucial factor for advancing the economy, society, and the nation's competitiveness , both regionally and globally. To ensure continuous and sustainable national development, the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization), or TPQI, was established under the Royal Decree on the Establishment of the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization) B.E. 2554 (2011), published in the Royal Gazette on March 30, 2011. TPQI operates under the supervision of the Prime Minister, with responsibilities that include developing the national Professional Qualifications system, supporting occupational or professional groups in setting up Occupational Standards according to international best practices, and accrediting organizations responsible for assessing individuals' competencies based on these standards. Additionally, TPQI serves as a central information hub for the Professional Qualifications system and Occupational Standards., TPQI’s missions align with Strategy 2: Developing People Towards a Lifelong Learning Society of the Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012–2016), 

                 To achieve sustainable lifelong learning for all, the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization) has developed the Professional Qualifications system and Occupational Standards. This has been accomplished through collaboration with various sectors, including both public and private organizations at national and international levels. Additionally, TPQI has supported professional groups and stakeholders in actively participating in the development of Occupational Standards and assessment tools for assessing individuals’ competencies as well as awarding professional qualifications certificates and competency statements. The TPQI certifies competencies and work expertise of those with or without education qualifications against the Occupational Standards. This also serves to promote workforce mobility within the ASEAN Economic Community.