Thailand is preparing for an increase in the minimum wage, a move that will come into effect from next week. With this change, which is supported by both the National Pay Panel and the Prime Minister, wages will vary across provinces. The initiative, a promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, signals a growing focus on economic equality and worker well-being.
In Thailand, the minimum daily wage is at the center of an ongoing discussion about social justice and economic viability. The current minimum daily wage, although recently increased, remains a controversial issue, amid debates that it is too little to live on but too much to die on.
Cabinet considers review of new minimum daily wage rates in Thailand
Thailand's cabinet faces an important decision: the revision of the recently approved minimum daily wage rates. This issue, fueled by criticism from both government and business, touches on the balance between fair compensation for workers and the country's economic stability. With sweeping changes coming into effect on January 1, 2024, this promises to be a crucial issue.
Significant wage increases on the horizon: Thai government in talks with companies about minimum wage
The Thai government is negotiating with companies about a possible significant increase in the minimum daily wage. This initiative, led by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin, is part of a broader economic recovery plan. With plans ranging from energy reforms to tourism incentives, the government aims for robust economic revitalization.
'Minimum daily wage possible at the end of this year to 492 baht to compensate for rising living costs'
The National Wage Committee is expected to come up with a proposal to increase the daily minimum wage due to the rising cost of living in Thailand.
Proposal to increase minimum daily wage in Thailand by 2 to 10 baht
The provincial committees that deal with the level of the minimum daily wage have proposed an increase from 2 to 10 baht for this year. The increase is to take effect on April 1.
Agreement on minimum wage increase in Thailand as of April 1
The minimum daily wage in Thailand will increase from April 1 by 5 to 22 baht. This is the first increase in three years. Phuket, Chon Buri and Rayong will receive the highest rate of 330 baht per day, the committee that had to make a decision announced.
Much criticism of small increase minimum daily wage
The new minimum daily wage will take effect in just over a day in 69 provinces. The minimum daily wage in Thailand will then increase by 5, 8 or 10 baht after four years. Experts point out that the meager increase will only have negative consequences in the long term. Workers are particularly disappointed and frustrated about the limited wage increase.
Minimum daily wage will increase by 69, 5 or 8 baht in 10 provinces
It is not much, but the minimum daily wage in Thailand will increase in 60 provinces after four years. The increase is effective January 1, 2017.
Possible increase in minimum wage postponed again
The increase in the minimum daily wage of 300 baht has been postponed again. A committee is now being formed that will calculate how high a possible new daily wage should be.
Abolition of the old minimum wage in Thailand
In the course of next year, the current minimum daily wage of 300 baht will probably be abolished. It will then be replaced by the old system based on basic living income by province.
PM Prayut: 'Minimum wage for Thai cannot be raised'
Despite higher household debt and increased living costs, poor Thais should not expect the minimum daily wage to rise from 300 to 360 baht. "There is no money for it and Thailand has other priorities," Prime Minister Prayut said.
News from Thailand – Friday, May 1, 2015
A selection of today's most important Thai news, including:
– May 1: Labor Day
– Labor groups want higher minimum wage in Thailand
– Prayut begs EU for mercy on fisheries
– Referendum will lead to postponement of elections
– Businessman killed in Nonthaburi
Labor Day: little festive, lots of worries
Yesterday was International Labor Day, but there was not much reason to celebrate, according to the Bangkok Post. The minimum daily wage, which was raised to 300 baht last year, is too little for most households to make ends meet.
It is already a year ago that Prime Minister Yingluck introduced the minimum daily wage of 300 baht (€ 6,70) promised by her party. But what has a Thai gained with it? That 9.000 baht per month is too little to live on and too much to die from. Or not? Discuss the statement of the week.
The misery of the majority
On January 1, the minimum daily wage increased to 300 baht. But the 24,6 million people in the informal sector, such as housekeepers and homeworkers, do not benefit. In fact, there is no legal minimum wage for them.
Raising the minimum daily wage is not a panacea
On January 1, the minimum daily wage in seventy provinces increased to 300 baht. Only 8 to 9 million workers benefit from this. The 24,1 million workers in the informal sector remain out in the cold.