The tripartite wage committee is reassessing the daily minimum wage in Thailand, prompted by a government push for an increase – the second one proposed this year.
The decision follows a 2.37% wage hike implemented in January, which Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin finds insufficient, particularly for workers in the southern regions.
Sub-panels Formed to Deliberate on New Wage Rate
The committee, comprising government, employer, and employee representatives, has formed two sub-panels to deliberate on the new wage rate. Factors under consideration include inflation, GDP growth, and labor productivity, with last year’s inflation rate reported at 1.23% and the National Economic and Social Development Council adjusting its GDP forecasts for 2023 and 2024 to 1.9% and 2.7%, respectively.
EconThai Suggests Certain Professions and Regions Might See 400 Baht a Day
EconThai suggests that while the new minimum wage might not reach 400 baht a day for all workers, certain professions and regions could see this increase. This is in line with the Pheu Thai Party’s proposal for a gradual rise to 600 baht by 2027, starting with 400 baht this year.
Migrant Workers to Benefit Most from Proposed Wage Adjustment
Tanit Sorat, vice-chairman of EconThai, predicts that migrant workers will primarily benefit from the proposed wage adjustment to 400 baht a day, as many Thai workers already exceed this threshold.
