Thai government pledges to soon increase minimum wage for workers

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during a debate in the National Assembly. (Photo: Bangkok Post )

Speaking during a debate in the Thai parliament on government policy, he said: “Regarding the wage increase, there will be negotiations between three parties including workers, employers and the government on an appropriate minimum wage. The target of a daily minimum wage of 400 baht should be achieved as soon as possible.”

He affirmed that increasing the minimum wage to meet the needs of workers is one of the Government's economic stimulus measures.

Mr. Srettha said that although Thailand's unemployment rate is low, only about 1%, the demand for human resources is still very high. Therefore, Thailand still has to depend on immigrant workers.

We must also protect the rights of migrant workers and provide them with adequate welfare and safety, he said.

The Thai prime minister added that the government is planning to set up a one-stop service center to improve the efficiency of document processing for migrant workers.

Previously, during the election campaign, the Pheu Thai Party promised to increase the daily minimum wage to 600 baht for workers and 25,000 baht/month for those with a bachelor's degree.

However, Suchart Chantaranakaracha, vice president in charge of overseeing labor issues at the Confederation of Thai Industries, said any proposed wage increase must first be reviewed by the tripartite National Wage Committee, which includes representatives of employers, workers and state agencies.

He affirmed that increasing the minimum wage needs to consider all factors such as inflation, labor productivity, the ability of employers to pay wages and economic growth rate.

Currently, the daily minimum wage in Thailand varies from province to province, ranging from 328 to 354 baht. The most recent minimum wage increase was implemented in October 2022. The highest minimum wage, 354 baht, is currently in place in Chon Buri, Rayong and Phuket provinces.

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