File photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant change, Bangkok's daily minimum wage will rise to 400 baht starting July 1, as announced by the national wage committee on Tuesday.

 

This increase extends beyond the city, impacting workers in hotels and entertainment venues across the country, a shift from the previous focus solely on major tourist hotspots. Currently, the capital's wage stands at 372 baht, with provincial rates varying between 337 and 380 baht.

 

The decision emerged from a decisive majority within the committee, following intense debate. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the committee's chairman and the Ministry of Labour’s permanent secretary, emphasised this new rate for certain businesses, including hotels with over 50 rooms or those rated two-star and above, as well as registered entertainment venues.

 

The emphasis initially targets the tourism and service sectors, which are perceived to withstand the financial adjustments more readily.

 

This proposed wage adjustment is anticipated to positively affect approximately 700,000 workers across the nation, pending cabinet approval.

 

To mitigate economic impacts on businesses, the Ministry of Labour is coordinating with six banks to offer 30 billion baht in soft loans, exploring further support measures as needed.

 

The increase is significant now as the governing Pheu Thai Party, following its 2023 election campaign, aims for a 400-baht national wage, aspiring to 600 baht by 2027, though facing resistance over practical implementation.

 

Boonsong firmly addressed rumours regarding motives to retain Cambodian workers in Thailand amidst border tensions, clarifying that the policy was economically rather than strategically motivated.

 

Even as Cambodia appeals for its citizens' return, the wage policy remains focused on domestic economic balance rather than international labour dynamics.

 

This landmark decision reflects Thailand's complex economic landscape, balancing worker welfare with employer capability, laying foundations for broader economic aspirations despite divided opinions.

 

The debate underscores the intricacies of nationwide policy application within varying local economies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-18

 

 

And it's 400 baht a day, not an hour, right? 🤔

22 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

And it's 400 baht a day, not an hour, right? 🤔

Correct... still a pittance... and doubtful many will follow the rules. 

I guess with the track record of wage increases this means the cost of living will increase as well. Food stalls will give less food for more money also as what happened previously has shown. 

22 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

And it's 400 baht a day, not an hour, right? 🤔

It should be an hourly rate... what constitutes a daily wage, 8-9-10-11-12 hours +

On 6/18/2025 at 9:54 AM, brewsterbudgen said:

And it's 400 baht a day, not an hour, right? 🤔

Straight to the point bro

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

It should be an hourly rate... what constitutes a daily wage, 8-9-10-11-12 hours +

 

Work day is 8 hours by law.

 

as for 400b per hour..... bwahaahahahahahahahah that near double USA min wage.

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Work day is 8 hours by law.

 

as for 400b per hour..... bwahaahahahahahahahah that near double USA min wage.

I didn't mean 400 baht per hour, but a reasonable hourly rate X what you actually work plus OT

as for 8 hours by law,.. that's laughable

Bugger, the mrs will be wanting a pay rise!

33 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

 

as for 8 hours by law,.. that's laughable

 

Call them on 1506 if you have an issue.

 

 

สิทธิตามกฎหมายแรงงาน - Ministry of Labour

Who can live on this amount ? I don’t wonder a minute why girls ( and boys) end up in bars etc. With 3 to 4 thousand going on lodgings, some share yes, but not all are single, some have a partner and or kids. 2 wages ok, one person living alone is hard. I think it’s disgusting, I know a lady of about 30 working in my usual’4 star hotel. She looks after her mum and her mum looks after her daughter of 6.  She holds onto her job for dear life , lives in the slums, and wouldn’t dream of working in a bar etc. She told me she earns more in hotel room cleaning than in shops or 7/11 because of tips.  I always tip when I think people deserve, accordingly. I also leave lots of things for her family when I leave. 

 

Illegal workers in Yaowarat have petitioned the Ministry of Labour in hopes of having their minimum wage increased from zero to 10 Yuan per day.

On 6/19/2025 at 11:58 AM, Ralf001 said:

near double USA min wage.

Is this USA info at all relevant to us here? 

5 minutes ago, Unamerican said:

Is this USA info at all relevant to us here? 

Is your reply at all relevant to us here?

Wife pays a bit more than ฿400 a day, and only an 8 hr day.  We're in Nakhon Nowhere, and sometimes struggles to get help.

On 6/18/2025 at 9:54 AM, brewsterbudgen said:

And it's 400 baht a day, not an hour, right? 🤔

12 Thousand a month basic

Where are the employers supposed high wages from? 12 Thousand baht a month is pretty good when you know you can get a room for two people for 1500 each. I've know people on low wages in different countries and this one, including myself.  Believe me you get used to it. 12 K ain't too bad.