Bangkok: The Wage Board has approved a 400 baht minimum wage increase for Bangkok and some businesses in the provinces, marking a significant milestone for laborers.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Labor, led by Deputy Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyut, announced that the 22nd Tripartite Wage Committee Meeting No. 6/2568 has resolved to adjust the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in various areas and business groups across the nation. This decision aligns with the government and Minister of Labor Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn's policy to ensure fair wages for Thai workers, reflecting the current economic conditions.
The meeting, which included 15 committee members representing employers, employees, and the government, approved the wage increase by a two-thirds majority. The new minimum wage structure is outlined as follows: In the Bangkok area, the minimum wage will be adjusted to 400 baht per day across the board. In the provinces, the same rate will apply only to specific businesses, including hotels with a rating of 2 stars or higher or those with 50 or more rooms, businesses with restaurants in hotels, and service establishments like karaoke and cocktail lounges, as defined by the Service Establishments Act. This wage increase is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending Cabinet consideration, and is expected to benefit approximately 700,000 workers.
Mr. Boonsong highlighted that the wage adjustment is the result of extensive discussions and thorough data analysis within the tripartite framework. All parties considered various factors, such as the economic environment, living costs, and business capabilities, particularly in the tourism and service sectors, which are less impacted by the increase and can promote quality employment opportunities. He credited Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn for setting the guidelines that facilitated this achievement for the benefit of all worker groups.
Additionally, the Ministry of Labor has introduced measures to support employers by collaborating with six state and private banks to launch a 30 billion baht loan project. This initiative aims to assist businesses affected by the wage adjustment in accessing necessary funds smoothly.
In the same forum, Mr. Boonsong addressed the situation of Thai workers abroad, assuring that over 40,000 Thai workers in Israel remain safe despite regional tensions. The Ministry of Labor has established a monitoring center in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies, maintaining communication with local labor ambassadors every two hours. Regarding Cambodian workers in Thailand, it was confirmed that no requests to return home have been received, and employers report that workers continue their duties as usual.