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.
Pay less than minimum wage? To do or not to do?
Recently there was a discussion on Thailand blog about whether or not to pay (at least) the minimum wage. Because it fell outside the actual topic, the discussion didn't get out of the way and that's a bit of a shame because there are several sides to that topic. So let's try to dig into this a bit further.
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.
New minimum wages for skilled workers in Thailand
On January 31, the cabinet accepted the advice of the Thai Wage Commission; at the request of the Ministry of Employment, it has issued advice on the salaries of skilled workers. This advice will be published in the Royal Gazette and will come into effect 90 days later.
The populist Thai election slogans scrutinized (part 1).
On May 14, Thailand will go to the polls to elect a new parliament. I will not bore you with the names of all the parties and their prospective prime ministers. Political parties can nominate at least 1 and at most 3 people for this important post before the elections take place. This way, the voters know in advance who can become the prime minister.
Charlie in Udon (3)
Fortunately, Charly's life is full of pleasant surprises (unfortunately sometimes also less pleasant ones). For several years he has been living in a resort not far from Udonthani. In his stories, Charly mainly tries to raise awareness of Udon, but he also discusses other things in Thailand.
The trade union movement in Thailand wants the ruling party Palang Pracharath (PPRP) to fulfill its election promise to raise the minimum wage. The Democrats, also a government party, are also pushing for this. The PPRP has promised before the elections that the minimum wage will be increased to an average of 400 baht per day.
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.
Most workers cannot save from the minimum wage
Thai workers can barely survive on the minimum wage, so it should be raised, according to a poll by Bangkok University of 1.449 respondents across the country. Almost 53 percent say they want a higher minimum daily wage. More than 32 percent think that the current wage is sufficient given the current economic conditions.
Working people in Thailand are burdened by the highest household debts in eight years. Many Thais struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis and turn to loan sharks.
Income position Thai: Raise the minimum wage!
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) is calling for the minimum wage to be increased by 5 to 7 percent, following an investigation into the income position of Thais.
I heard from my girlfriend a few weeks ago that she went from 7000 baht to 8000 baht a month for 12 hours of work: 7 days a week for work behind the bar. So I wondered if they had a minimum wage in Thailand too?
About the minimum wage and ridiculous working hours in Thailand
Last week I heard another story that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. The minimum daily wage introduced by the Yingluck government may be a good move, but it does not prevent the exploitation of workers. In this respect, much remains to be done in Thailand.
Thai news in brief – January 8
When Thai students graduate, they hardly speak English and that could break the country when the Asean Economic Community takes effect in 2015, academics warn. The labor market will then be open to workers from all ten countries. Countries like Singapore and the Philippines have an advantage with a workforce that speaks much better English.
Little confidence foreign investors in Thailand
The confidence of foreign investors in Thailand, especially Japanese, has taken a serious blow due to the floods.
The Thai taxpayer
In every country, the income tax imposed by the state is always a rewarding subject for (fierce) discussions during birthdays, in the pub or just between a number of colleagues. All clichés then tumble over each other: we pay too much, it is not well spent, we have too many civil servants and also too many beneficiaries of social services. Income tax in the Netherlands accounts for approximately 40% of total tax revenue, and the same also applies to Thailand. In …
Rose scent, nor moonshine
If the new Thai government fulfills its promise made before the elections, the minimum daily wage will be 300 baht (€ 7). Although a lot has been written and spoken about this subject, I had to think about it again very spontaneously one of these days. What does it mean for the great crowd who are not in paid employment? All those people who travel around with a rickety cart with self-prepared food, the buffalo herders, …