CHAMBERS of Commerce nationwide and labour-intensive trade associations have scheduled a press conference tomorrow (May 7) to voice their opposition to the Pheu Thai-led government’s move to increase the daily minimum wage across the country to 400 baht from Oct. 1, 2024, Naewna newspaper said today.
The press briefing will be led by Mr. Poj Aramwattananon, first vice chairman, Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, and Mr. Thanawat Phonwichai, president of the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce and advisory chairman of the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting.
They see the minimum wage hike as being a double-edged sword for the business sector because while some businesses are able to push them higher others are more adversely affected with many provinces not ready for this jump.
Earlier Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said he is confident the 400-baht a day minimum wage will be implemented on Oct. 1 as announced. There is consensus in the ministry that it is time to hike wages.
However as it is feared prices of consumer products would go up in advance, he is going to hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to help control them.
This is very important because there would be no benefit from a higher daily wage if consumer products cost more.
On Apr. 13 the 400-baht daily minimum wage took effect for employees of four-star or higher rating hotels and resorts in 10 tourism-buzzing areas of Bangkok and the provinces.
The 10 areas include those in Bangkok’s Pathumwan and Wattana districts, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Samui Island, Phuket, Chiang Mai City, Hat Yai City, Pang Nga’s Khuek Khak subdistrict, Krabi’s Ao Nang subdistrict and Rayong’s Baan Pae subdistrict.
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Top: A construction worker. Photo: INN News
Front Page: A general view of a street in Bangkok on November 17, 2022. File photo: Reuters/Jorge Silva and published by CNA
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