Private sector calls on Yingluck to step down

[anselpixel]

This guy is a failed cheap shoes manufacturing manager.

Who cares what comes out of his mouth on the subject of governing Thailand?

Of course he doesn't like the minimum wage: he says it forced him to shut down his international operations at Pan Asia Footwear because he could no longer compete with China and Vietnam.

[asiamint]

a good story except for not liking the minimum wage..all business bosses hate workers having a living wage...they moaned in the uk but it had no impact ...sorry that was off topic..its a concern if big business is not happy,

Your right people should have a living wage.But to say it had no impact is wrong. It had a huge impact in the UK and it took us years to adjust and focus our efforts in different area's.

You say it had no impact. Have you ever had to mange/own a business with 2000 staff and then you have to pay them 30% more in salary. Is that really going to have no impact? Of course it does. Where do you think the extra money comes from, not all companies make huge profits, most have tight margins if there honest companies.

The business has to find that extra money from somewhere to pay the extra staff costs. I assume you have never had to live in pressure like that?

Sorry to sound frustrated, but no one ever appreciates what business owners go through to make wages sometimes.

[iancnx]

Yawn! Another branch of the ruling elite are wheeled out to fan the dying embers of mr. Sutheps insurrection. Only the courts can save him now.

How has the state of emergency harmed the economy? It is the daily protests that have harmed the economy.

Effectively this group supports Suthep because he says he'll reduce the minimum wage. I don't know how people manage on 300 ฿ a day, let alone any less. The minimum wage is a populist policy according to the ruling elite. It's a populist policy that allows millions of Thais to live with some dignity. Not much, but some, and now the RE would like to take it away. No wonder PT keep winning elections!

Actually I would think food price inflation has left quite a hole in any extra the got.

It's not just food. It is fuel, utilities, daily essentials and luxury items (beer).

[Robby nz]

The private sector (the elite amart, oh my god) is the only thing that has kept the country moving forward for the last two years in spite of everything the Govt has done.

They are hurting now but as the man says not just because of the protests.

Fair enough that people should have a living wage but to do it in one 30% bang only caused inflation which not only cut into the wage increase but also hurt those who did not get a wage increase.

I don't know what percentage of the population actually got the wage increase but I would think it would be a small minority.

Look around and try and work it out, those who work for Govt. local and national should get it as well as those who work for big companies, the rest well probably not.

Farmers dont get it, nor will farm workers, self employed and those who work for small one of two workers outfits are unlikely to get it, building labors may or may not get it, certainly the imported labor wont, how many were changed to contract work when it came in ?

And of course those who were already above the minimum wage wouldn't be touched by it.

[Robby nz]

Yawn! Another branch of the ruling elite are wheeled out to fan the dying embers of mr. Sutheps insurrection. Only the courts can save him now.

How has the state of emergency harmed the economy? It is the daily protests that have harmed the economy.

Effectively this group supports Suthep because he says he'll reduce the minimum wage. I don't know how people manage on 300 ฿ a day, let alone any less. The minimum wage is a populist policy according to the ruling elite. It's a populist policy that allows millions of Thais to live with some dignity. Not much, but some, and now the RE would like to take it away. No wonder PT keep winning elections!

When did Suthep ever say he would cut the minimum wage ?

Answer. Never

Another piece of red BS made up as they go along.

[iancnx]

And back to the rest of the OP. He forgot to mention their trading partners were laughing their t1ts off at the governing by Facebook strategy of the current leadership. How can serious foreign investors even contemplate new business?

[ikurauni]

It seems that more people want Yingluck to step down. If she did, it would be a good first step toward resolving the conflict.

However, she is still standing and trying to regain her position as PM.

She failed to do her jobs as the head of the country. She created a lot of problems.

If she believes that she wants to make Thailand a better place for Thais, she should resign asap.

I guess Thaksin is desperate to keep his puppets. He should give up coming back to Thailand without the jail term.

We have enough victims already.

[MK1]

a good story except for not liking the minimum wage..all business bosses hate workers having a living wage...they moaned in the uk but it had no impact ...sorry that was off topic..its a concern if big business is not happy,

Impossible to agree with you. Have you ever heard of a 33% hike in the minimum wage anywhere else in the world? No! Absolutely unsustainable! Business folk and economists understand this only too well.

Thailand was long overdue for a wage rise since 1997. They were due to receive such a rise in 2006 but due to political–instability and numerous Coup’s thereafter it was placed by the way side. The 33% minimum wage hike is reflective of not addressing the problem retrospectively for so long. Sorry if this has impacted upon your business suddenly but the wage rise was long overdue to meet the demands of rising inflation and the cost of living irrespective of who was to remain in power. The concept of Thailand people working for the price of a bowl of rice per day are over; now they work for the price of a mobile phone pre-paid card per day.

Edited February 24, 2014 by MK1

[PatOngo]

Yawn! Another branch of the ruling elite are wheeled out to fan the dying embers of mr. Sutheps insurrection. Only the courts can save him now.

How has the state of emergency harmed the economy? It is the daily protests that have harmed the economy.

Effectively this group supports Suthep because he says he'll reduce the minimum wage. I don't know how people manage on 300 ฿ a day, let alone any less. The minimum wage is a populist policy according to the ruling elite. It's a populist policy that allows millions of Thais to live with some dignity. Not much, but some, and now the RE would like to take it away. No wonder PT keep winning elections!

Actually I would think food price inflation has left quite a hole in any extra the got.

It's not just food. It is fuel, utilities, daily essentials and luxury items (beer).

Don't forget the mo-cy and the iPhone.

[winstonc]

a good story except for not liking the minimum wage..all business bosses hate workers having a living wage...they moaned in the uk but it had no impact ...sorry that was off topic..its a concern if big business is not happy,

Impossible to agree with you. Have you ever heard of a 33% hike in the minimum wage anywhere else in the world? No! Absolutely unsustainable! Business folk and economists understand this only too well.

Thailand was long overdue for a wage rise since 1997. They were due to receive such a rise in 2006 but due to political–instability and numerous Coup’s thereafter it was placed by the way side. The 33% minimum wage hike is reflective of not addressing the problem retrospectively for so long. Sorry if this has impacted upon your business suddenly but the wage rise was long over to meet the demands of inflation and the cost of living irrespective of who was to remain in power. The concept of Thailand people working for price of a bowl of rice per day are over; now they work for the price of a mobile phone pre-paid card per day.

thank you for bailing me out.i was unable to counter those very valid arguaments by the guys here.i now stand corrected and informed..(did i lose face)hahahahahaha

[Nickymaster]

Nothing more than vested interests trying to reclaim power. Ho hum

How would YOU know? You only just got here. You don't even know SC Park Hotel .

Are you getting your info from your partner?

[ChrisY1]

Nothing more than vested interests trying to reclaim power. Ho hum

Maybe they have an interest in the country also, and, see her moving on to be beneficial to the current situation....and more importantly, possibly a way to end to the violence.

[newcomer71]

I wish Yingluck could step down now, and the incompetents and disgraceful key man of this government go with her (Chalerm just for example). PTP would keep in charge, dissociating from Shinawatras.

But that's just not possible. Not in Thailand, where connections of Elite and Shinawatra is too much deep rooted for hope in anything like this.

[scorecard]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Yawn! Another branch of the ruling elite are wheeled out to fan the dying embers of mr. Sutheps insurrection. Only the courts can save him now.

How has the state of emergency harmed the economy? It is the daily protests that have harmed the economy.

Effectively this group supports Suthep because he says he'll reduce the minimum wage. I don't know how people manage on 300 ฿ a day, let alone any less. The minimum wage is a populist policy according to the ruling elite. It's a populist policy that allows millions of Thais to live with some dignity. Not much, but some, and now the RE would like to take it away. No wonder PT keep winning elections!

And again, like your ilk, you post total and highly misleading blatant untruths.

Moderators please note.

Edited February 24, 2014 by scorecard

[ChrisY1]

Dbl post

Edited February 24, 2014 by ChrisY1

[winstonc]

I wish Yingluck could step down now, and the incompetents and disgraceful key man of this government go with her (Chalerm just for example). PTP would keep in charge, dissociating from Shinawatras.

But that's just not possible. Not in Thailand, where connections of Elite and Shinawatra is too much deep rooted for hope in anything like this.

and a very fair point you make young sir..enough is enough now.i dont hate the lady but come on yingy give us all a break..

[pookiki]

a good story except for not liking the minimum wage..all business bosses hate workers having a living wage...they moaned in the uk but it had no impact ...sorry that was off topic..its a concern if big business is not happy,

I'm a "business boss" (80+ employees) and I'm in favor of workers have a better than living wage. The problem is that the minimum wage was raised to 300 baht without considering the resulting impact on the costs of goods and services. I live in an ordinary working-class Thai neighborhood because it's a 200 meter walk to my office. Prices of food alone (small shops on the soi) have increased more than 25% in the past year. Most of my neighbors say that although wages were increased, they are worse off than before,

I do my own shopping so I tend to keep a close tab on prices -- especially fruit. The price for Thai oranges four months ago at my local market was 50 baht/kg. In December, the price went to 60 baht/kg. During the Chinese New Year, the price spiked to 90 baht/kg. So, over a short period of time, the price of oranges increased 80%. At this point in time, I fail to see how such an increase is related to the raise in the minimum wage. What was it? Who knows. People manipulate the markets all the time.

On the other hand, I do acknowledge that prices do increase after an increase in minimum wage -- if companies comply with the law. For the most part, there is going to be inflation no matter what. So what do you do? Always leave workers sucking the hind teat or try to adjust their wages to keep up with inflation. It's easy to say that workers were worse off than before -- but for the most part,I don't think that's the case. For the 'normal' Thai worker, transportation costs take the biggest chunk of expenses after rent and food -- and in some cases - more than food. And don't forget, there was a increase in salary for civil servants with college degrees as well. A much needed one in my opinion.

For all those on TVF who think 300 baht/day is excessive - try to live on that amount!

[aguy30]

I don't understand why so many TV commenters can't comprehend simple math.

The old min wage was 200 baht/day.

The min wage is now 300 baht/day.

That is 200 x 1.5 = 300 for those that don't get it. The 1.5 is 150%.

A ninth grade education should give the ability to understand that is a 50% increase from 200 to 300 baht, not 30% or 33 1/3%. You (and you know who you are) would not be the least bit qualified to manage a business, let alone direct a country.

[lovetotravel]

Nothing more than vested interests trying to reclaim power. Ho hum

Please show a link to an article stating this organization is tied to the democrats. Otherwise, it's just speculation on your part.

This organization is a group of businesses, with support for both sides of the political spectrum. But mainly interested in making money.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Thai_Industries

[scorecard]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Yawn! Another branch of the ruling elite are wheeled out to fan the dying embers of mr. Sutheps insurrection. Only the courts can save him now.

How has the state of emergency harmed the economy? It is the daily protests that have harmed the economy.

Effectively this group supports Suthep because he says he'll reduce the minimum wage. I don't know how people manage on 300 ฿ a day, let alone any less. The minimum wage is a populist policy according to the ruling elite. It's a populist policy that allows millions of Thais to live with some dignity. Not much, but some, and now the RE would like to take it away. No wonder PT keep winning elections!

Actually I would think food price inflation has left quite a hole in any extra the got.

True, but there's another nasty twist, the yingluck govt then tried to pressure street vendors by imposing a maximum price for various typical / popular street food dishes.

In reality your average (with all respect) street food vendors would be typical red supporters.

Doesn't compute.

[winstonc]

bloody hell i wish i never bought the minimum wage into it...anyway getting back to yingluck..

[kjun12]

Bravo! And it would be quite a stretch to label the Federation of Thai Industries as pro-PDRC.

But be assured the resident TV red's are going to try none the less..... Suthep is a fascist you know

No, a fascist not. Just a cheap crook politician who is trying to get back in the trough with all of his cronies. He is no better than the Shinawatras.

[moradave]

Kuhn Sommart Kunset is calling for the caretaker government to resign immediately en-masse. This leaves Thailand without a government. Who does he then propose step in immediately to govern? The Army? Suthep and his unelected People's Council? Prem and the unelected Privy Council? The King? the unelected Democrats? The UN (heaven forbid)?

There is no time or desire to hold more elections. Actions have consequences. Think through the consequence, Mr Kunset, and then propose the best solution to it for ALL of Thailand.

[aguy30]

a good story except for not liking the minimum wage..all business bosses hate workers having a living wage...they moaned in the uk but it had no impact ...sorry that was off topic..its a concern if big business is not happy,

Impossible to agree with you. Have you ever heard of a 33% hike in the minimum wage anywhere else in the world? No! Absolutely unsustainable! Business folk and economists understand this only too well.

Now I understand why my post bothered you.

[ebean001]

50% but only 100 bahts a day. forget the %. the total amount is minimual. no one got affected too much as i recall. it happened, few complained, then many said they already paid minimum wage.

[zakk9]

No worry about the 300 baht minimum wage. They just give those jobs to the Burmese, and they get 200 baht... maximum.

[zakk9]

50% but only 100 bahts a day. forget the %. the total amount is minimual. no one got affected too much as i recall. it happened, few complained, then many said they already paid minimum wage.

If you have 2,000 employees, 100 baht each per day is 200,000 baht, or 5 million baht per month. Large textile factories typically have employees along those lines, but some of them moved to Cambodia immediately when the rise was known, and again: Burmese workers are much cheaper.

[icommunity]

There is only one choice for her to take and that is she and all her caretaker cabinet ministers respect the wishes of the electorate and the Royal Decree. The country would plunge into anarchy if she and her teams resign en masse.

The current problem of Thailand is not the same as in the past. The people has awakened to their social, economic, political and judiciary rights, duties and responsibilities. You can blame Thaksin if you want. He and TRT was the first political party in Thai history that fulfilled all election promises, completed full term and went on to win elections. The livelihood of the people has been improving though gradually.

Emerging power of the people threatened the 'old elite' power. The 'old elite' fear that their power and control over the people to safeguard their 'interests' continue to diminish during this Thailand's 'peculiar transition.' Beneath the surface of what we are arguing and debating are issues that the 'old elite' are afraid of surfacing by the 'civilian government.'

IMO, it is for the actual people of the two 'powers' to talk about their fear, anxiety and suspicion. These people should be the people who have the power to influence and persuade their people to accommodate and co-exist with each other. The 'old elite' should also be given the time to adjust themselves to the reality of the new world.

IMO, any pressure or action to clip or suppress the existence of the new reality will cause a 'separation' into different directions.

Therefore, I would say that FTI vice president Sommart Kunset's call was insensitive, confrontational and dangerous. IMO, he should instead, ask for the creation of space or avenue for all Thai of different backgrounds to unite and reconciling with each other to bring about a peaceful, harmonious, progressive unified Thailand.

[renaissanc]

Will arrest warrants be issued for Sommart now he's rebelling against the Govt?

Oh yes! Tarit will have added him to his long list of people who do not love his beloved Boss, Thaksin.

[BuddyPinkham]

a good story except for not liking the minimum wage..all business bosses hate workers having a living wage...they moaned in the uk but it had no impact ...sorry that was off topic..its a concern if big business is not happy,

I agree, and to think they are against paying people $10 a day for working a minimum of 12 hour shifts, just disturbs me to no end. While they are making millions on their products and paying S&*T for the people doing all the work.