The Labour Ministry is set to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht across Thailand starting January 1 as a New Year’s gift to workers.
Yesterday, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Labour disclosed that the minimum daily wage will be raised to 400 baht nationwide as part of the government’s policies.
The ministry plans to implement this increase from January 1, with preparations already underway, including the formation of a new tripartite wage committee.
There are plans to recommend two new representatives for this committee to the cabinet on Tuesday.
One representative will be from the Ministry of Finance, replacing a former Bank of Thailand executive.
Once the cabinet approves the new members, the committee is expected to hold its first meeting in December to finalize the details, following recommendations from the provincial wage subcommittees.
The goal is to conclude discussions in time for the new minimum wage to take effect by the targeted date.
The labour minister has reviewed all the necessary details of this adjustment and plans to present them to the cabinet early next week.
The spokesperson mentioned that if the initial December meeting does not reach a resolution, a follow-up meeting will be arranged to ensure a decision by the end of the month.
The Finance Ministry plans to nominate Deputy Permanent Secretary Akkaruth Sandhyananda as a representative on the committee.
Additionally, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare is expected to be nominated to work with representatives from both employers and employees on the committee.
The source emphasized the smooth progress of this policy, highlighting the labour minister’s strict oversight to ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
Although the new wage standard will apply nationwide, SMEs will be given a one-year grace period to adjust, according to the source.
During a visit to Udon Thani province on Thursday, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai-led government talked about relieving citizens’ debt and increasing the minimum daily wage to 400 baht, with further plans to raise it to 700 baht and the minimum monthly wage from 15,000 baht to 25,000 baht.
He confirmed that these changes would be implemented under the current government.
Responding to Thaksin’s comments, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai stated that whether the 400 baht wage level is implemented before the year’s end depends on the prime minister.
