The cabinet agreed to increases in minimum wages by 2-16 baht/day today, as proposed by the tri-partite wage committee. The new rates will become effective on January 1.
There are 17 minimum wage rates applicable in the 77 provinces across the country, based upon the cost of living and economic situation in each. The new minimum wages will be between 330 baht, an increase of 2 baht, and 370 baht, an increase of 354 baht.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the cabinet that, although the increase is minimal, the cabinet will have to accept the decision of the wage committee.
He said that the wage committee is, however, scheduled to meet again on January 17th, to discuss the setting up of a subcommittee to consider rates of pay for all occupations.
He also said that the labour minister wants representatives of the Commerce Ministry, National Economic and Social Development Council, the Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to sit on the subcommittee, so they can work out more appropriate minimum wages by the end of March.