Thai workers concerned over future prospects on eve of Labour Day

[webfact]

Special Report:

Thai workers concerned over future prospects on eve of Labour Day

BANGKOK: -- On the eve of the National Labour Day on May 1, Thai workers continue to face a daily struggle brought on by rising living costs and prolonged political turmoil.

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC)’s recent poll found that the majority of Thai workers or 93 per cent are trapped in a cycle of debts. The average debt of 93.7 per cent of Thailand’s working-class families amounts to some 106,216 baht.

Around 56.1 per cent of respondents are trapped in a cycle of informal debts, with monthly repayments of 7,400 baht. The figure represents a six year peak.

Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has also expressed concern over the rising unemployment figure due to slowing domestic spending, contracted economic expansion and decrease in export volume. As the political crisis drags on, major industrial factories have temporarily suspended operations and have halted efforts to recruit new workers.

The FTI warned that if a new election fails to take place and a new government cannot be formed within six months, at least 500,000 recent graduates could be unemployed after receiving their degree. Thailand’s unemployment is so far 0.9 percent or the second lowest rate in the world.

Despite their daily struggles, consumer spending on May 1 is expected to increase 2.3 per cent to almost 2 billion baht from around 1.9 million baht last year.

Thailand’s companies and factories take a holiday on 1 May for National Labour Day. The holiday has been adopted to give workers an opportunity to rest for a day, although Thailand’s workers have enjoyed a five- to seven-day break during the annual Songkran Festival mid-April.

For many countries, Labour Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, which also occurs on May 1. International Workers' Day is a celebration of labour and the working classes that is promoted by international labour movement. May 1 is a national public holiday in more than 80 countries and chosen as the date for International Workers' Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago that occurred on May 4, 1886.


-- NNT 2014-04-30

[bigbamboo]

Now this is when Chalerm should be making a speech to the people as the caretaker Labour Minister, the man from the jobcentre. Not as the PM elect.

[Thaiisnotrequired]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

[Brevity]

"The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC)’s recent poll found that the majority of Thai workers or 93 per cent are trapped in a cycle of debts. The average debt of 93.7 per cent of Thailand’s working-class families amounts to some 106,216 "baht."

Mission accomplished!

They have created a population of enslaved workers who are shackled to their debts.

[Costas2008]

"Thai workers continue to face a daily struggle brought on by rising living costs and prolonged political turmoil."

Stop, blaming the political turmoil, for rising costs and individual debts.

Change first, the Thai attitude, of spend now, think about repayment later.

Reduce the ample holidays, for relaxing......they are relaxing enough.

500,000 graduates will not be unemployed because of the political turmoil but because of lack of inadequate education.

[Brevity]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

[robblok]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

They don't seem to realize that most services will cost more and prices will raise again. 25% to 50% raises of salary are crazy. It will impact companies and will fuel inflation.

They should live within their means and not ask for handouts all the time. We have seen what the last wage raises let too.

But this is of course easy for the government to score as they don't have to finance it but companies will.

[Brevity]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

They don't seem to realize that most services will cost more and prices will raise again. 25% to 50% raises of salary are crazy. It will impact companies and will fuel inflation.

I am afraid that what is incredibly obvious to many of us who were taught basic analytic and critical thinking skills is impossible for the great majority of Thais to see after spending almost all their time in Thai schools being indoctrinated to be good and proud Thais.

[NongKhaiKid]

Now this is when Chalerm should be making a speech to the people as the caretaker Labour Minister, the man from the jobcentre. Not as the PM elect.

Yes, can hear him singing " the working class can kiss my arse I've got the gaffers job at last ".

[Thaiisnotrequired]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

It's called "relative" - Einstein.

Or are there cracks all over US roads, and overhanging wires?... dumps next to nice houses....... ?? kids begging on overpasses?... you need to relate the numbers, na krap.

Edited April 30, 2014 by Thaiisnotrequired

[Brevity]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

It's called "relative" - Einstein.

Who's your relative? LOL

Where did you go into relative costs in your post?

Just explain your "relative" reasoning. Better yet, just admit that you were thinking the 388-498 was hourly instead of daily. Sure, we all have pride, but sometimes we make mistake, and that's okay. It only means we're human.

And thanks, BTW. Einstein was a pretty smart man.

Edited April 30, 2014 by Brevity

[justjoined]

Around 56.1 per cent of respondents are trapped in a cycle of informal debts, with monthly repayments of 7,400 baht. The figure represents a six year peak.

It appears that wage rises of up to 40% have led to increased debt.

Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living.

Rather than expecting huge wage rises, workers need to reflect on why they've been unable to save. I wonder how many of them even have bank accounts?

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has also expressed concern over the rising unemployment figure... Thailand’s unemployment is so far 0.9 percent or the second lowest rate in the world.

While it may be rising slightly, having the world's second lowest unemployment isn't much of a concern.

Workers and the FTI should be more worried about safety standards and skill levels, serious issues which rarely get a mention.

[Brevity]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

It's called "relative" - Einstein.

Or are there cracks all over US roads, and overhanging wires?... dumps next to nice houses....... ?? kids begging on overpasses?... you need to relate the numbers, na krap.

Now, come on, let's play fair. Your post did not include the text in bold when I replied. Don't be a sneak and backtrack, changing your post to try and suit your argument. Besides, your sneaky addition still doesn't do the job. Show us the calculations of relative expenses then you might put some teeth in the point you thought after your original mistake.

[Om85]

Proletarian of the world, unite!

Thai workers instead of striking in support of corrupt politician, should strike for asking for better life conditions, better salaries, better education , and more transparency of the government.

As Emiliano Zapata once said: Justice, Land and Freedom for the people! Is disgusting how a bunch of families can control the destinies of 65 million people, and enjoy a life of luxuries while the most of the population live in abject poverty, blinded by the demagogy of corrupt monks and other elites that say to the poor and simple people, you must accept ur present condition cuz that is Kaarma.

[justjoined]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

10 Hour? Don't you mean 8 hour e.g. 9-6, minus a 1 hr lunch?

[leggo]

Since when is 498 bht per day anywhere related to UK minimum daily wages?

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[MaxLee]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

Never mind, then the cost of living will skyrocket higher and every BASIC MEAL would cost over 100 Baht PER MEAL

[Brevity]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

10 Hour? Don't you mean 8 hour e.g. 9-6, minus a 1 hr lunch?

I have to assume you don't actually live in Thailand or know much about the labour situation here. You're taking about the hours executives and other high-salary employees get. The average working Joe here doesn't do a 9 to 5'er.

[rreddin]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

Do get your facts right. The Thai minimum wage is per day. In the UK and USA it is per hour.

[bulekee]

"Thai workers continue to face a daily struggle brought on by rising living costs and prolonged political turmoil."

Stop, blaming the political turmoil, for rising costs and individual debts.

Change first, the Thai attitude, of spend now, think about repayment later.

Reduce the ample holidays, for relaxing......they are relaxing enough.

500,000 graduates will not be unemployed because of the political turmoil but because of lack of inadequate education.

And also the over staffing of all government agencies and foreign companies..I once had the pleasure of spending a social evening with the manager of HSBC bank in Bangkok.I asked him why you have such a big building and so many staff ( 90% non productive ).He told me that was the only way they could open a branch here.I think they have now pulled out of Thailand.Need I say more.

[bulekee]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

Who owns the companies?. I remember when I came to live here 12 years ago the Cambodian workers went on strike( garment workers ) for more money,they were being paid 60 baht per day,The reaction of the Thai factory owners was to close the factories.To much to say to make this a long thread ( no pun intended ).

[justjoined]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

10 Hour? Don't you mean 8 hour e.g. 9-6, minus a 1 hr lunch?

I have to assume you don't actually live in Thailand or know much about the labour situation here. You're taking about the hours executives and other high-salary employees get. The average working Joe here doesn't do a 9 to 5'er.

Your assumption is wrong and it seems you haven't read my post properly (I referred to 9-6, not 9-5). I'm very familiar with Thai labor law, which stipulates an 8hr day, after which overtime rates apply. You may consider googling before you post.

[issanaus]

edit for ...

I have to assume you don't actually live in Thailand or know much about the labour situation here. You're taking about the hours executives and other high-salary employees get. The average working Joe here doesn't do a 9 to 5'er.

Your assumption is wrong and it seems you haven't read my post properly (I referred to 9-6, not 9-5). I'm very familiar with Thai labor law, which stipulates an 8hr day, after which overtime rates apply. You may consider googling before you post.

There aren't any labour laws in the more remote villages

Even in places like KK if money has been paid .....

You want to work this is how much you will earn

You are Burmese with papers 185

Burmese no paper 120

Edited April 30, 2014 by issanaus

[justjoined]

edit for ...

I have to assume you don't actually live in Thailand or know much about the labour situation here. You're taking about the hours executives and other high-salary employees get. The average working Joe here doesn't do a 9 to 5'er.

Your assumption is wrong and it seems you haven't read my post properly (I referred to 9-6, not 9-5). I'm very familiar with Thai labor law, which stipulates an 8hr day, after which overtime rates apply. You may consider googling before you post.

There aren't any labour laws in the more remote villages

Even in places like KK if money has been paid .....

You want to work this is how much you will earn

You are Burmese with papers 185

Burmese no paper 120

With the world's second lowest unemployment workers have no trouble finding jobs for B300, this goes for Burmese as well.

Sure there are many being treated poorly and paid much less, but Burmese have a reputation for being harder working than Thais, so employers (including myself) are happy to have them. The misconception that they're paid much less is common with Thais.

[Benmart]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

You do realize that these numbers are PER 10-hour DAY not per hour. I can't imagine too many people in the US working for 13 dollars a day ($1.30 per hour) and whatever the pound equivalent is.

It's called "relative" - Einstein.

Or are there cracks all over US roads, and overhanging wires?... dumps next to nice houses....... ?? kids begging on overpasses?... you need to relate the numbers, na krap.

Now, come on, let's play fair. Your post did not include the text in bold when I replied. Don't be a sneak and backtrack, changing your post to try and suit your argument. Besides, your sneaky addition still doesn't do the job. Show us the calculations of relative expenses then you might put some teeth in the point you thought after your original mistake.

I prefer wording that attacks the position and not the poster. Edited April 30, 2014 by Benmart

[SamMunich]

Why doesn't it make me wonder, that in the news as well as here on TV the whole issue is reduced to wages and salaries. That is similar to the reduction of "democracy" to "elections". Both fall far short of the real issue.

Labour issues are about the rights of workers, about the situation and dangers of the workplace, about enough time to recuperate after work WITHOUT the need to do overtime to make a living. Only in that last issue comes the wage up.

Why are there no trade unions or other kind of effective organization of the labour force? Why can workers be locked out and fired, just because they have a demand or request. Why are people dying on the job because safety features were dismantled in order to achieve a higher profit? These things happen all the time and all over the country (and other countries as well...).

So stop reducing things to money, money, money.

[american12bthai]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

thats PER DAY. do you want to work for 12 USD a day? A DAY.

[Thai at Heart]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

That's per day .... Not per hour.

[american12bthai]

"Workers are calling on the government to raise the daily minimum wage to 388 baht to cover basic living expenses, adding that minimum daily income should increase to 498 baht in the next three years to cope with the rising cost of living."

Don't want much do they? Higher daily wage than minimum UK and US rates...... go for it!

They don't seem to realize that most services will cost more and prices will raise again. 25% to 50% raises of salary are crazy. It will impact companies and will fuel inflation.

They should live within their means and not ask for handouts all the time. We have seen what the last wage raises let too.

But this is of course easy for the government to score as they don't have to finance it but companies will.

do you know what i think. about both your comments? you must be white. your starting salary is 30,000 (on average) for a low level job. a thai on the other hand gets about 8-16000 baht. i think what thailand should do ... is extensive background checks on foreign workers. you know, so we only get the good ones who deserve to be put on this imaginary pedestal.

[kurnell]

Wait till 2015 hits and tens of thousands of motivated, hard working workers from SEA arrive.