Thailand’s Labour Minister Pushes for National Minimum Wage Increase to 400 Baht

[snoop1130]

Workers from three subcontractor companies protested on Sukhumvit Road in Chon Buri, over unpaid wages due on July 31, 2024 | Photo via KhaoSod

 

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is steadfast in his commitment to raise Thailand's national minimum wage to 400 baht, despite concerns about the impact on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and inflation. The proposal is to be reviewed by a tripartite wage committee on March 12.

 

Addressing concerns in Parliament, Phiphat reiterated his dedication to the wage hike, drawing parallels to the 2012 wage adjustment model used in seven provinces, including Bangkok. After three postponements, the push for a wage increase highlights growing concerns over wage inequality across Thailand.

 

Currently, only a few provinces, including Phuket, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, and Samui district in Surat Thani, are set to implement the 400-baht minimum wage from January 1. Phiphat expressed particular concern about the broader economic impact, especially on SMEs, but remained hopeful about reaching a solution.

 

 

The wage committee, supported by subcommittees from 76 provinces, is responsible for evaluating the provinces suited to implement this increase. While urging the use of pilot provinces as a test model, Phiphat also suggested applying the 400-baht wage to specific occupations showing economic improvement.

 

If not approved, a second meeting may occur within 15 days. To ease potential economic strain, Phiphat discussed measures like tax deductions for businesses and lower employer contributions to the Social Security Fund.

 

The Labour Ministry has identified 129 occupations eligible for the new minimum wage, though 13 occupations will remain below the threshold. As the committee nears the end of its term, Phiphat's determination underlines the importance of addressing wage disparities while balancing economic stability, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-11

 

 

[KhunLA]

Wife already pays here helpers 400 baht a day 😎

[Harrisfan]

4 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Wife already pays here helpers 400 baht a day 😎

I pay 400 to 800 for lunch

[rough diamond]

9 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

I pay 400 to 800 for lunch

Which street stall is that at?

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is steadfast in his commitment to raise Thailand's national minimum wage to 400 baht

A pittance in today's economic climate

[kingstonkid]

PTP seems to be gettng desperate and bringing back all the old promises to try to save their skins