400 baht minimum wage adjustment in Thailand still unconfirmed
Progress on the proposed nationwide 400 baht minimum wage adjustment remains uncertain, as confirmed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry.
Boonsong stated that the matter is not on the current meeting agenda but assured efforts to meet the May 1 deadline set by the labour minister. The current wage board’s term will end today, March 13.
Boonsong presided over the second meeting of the 22nd Wage Board at the Labour Ministry yesterday, March 12.
This meeting follows the initiative by Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn to implement the 400 baht minimum wage across Thailand by May 1, as a gesture to benefit workers.
Notably, the board’s term concludes today, March 13, with three members absent from the meeting: two government representatives, Akkarut Sontayanon from the Finance Ministry and Poonpong Nainapakorn from the Commerce Ministry, and one employer representative, Natthakit Khetrakan. Thus, 12 out of 15 members attended.
Ahead of the meeting, Boonsong disclosed the agenda, which included a report on the new old-age pension calculation formula from the Social Security Office, applicable to insured persons under sections 33 and 39, as of March 11.
Additionally, the meeting aimed to approve previous meeting minutes, review operational updates, consider wages based on skill standards, and reassess the 400 baht minimum wage introduced on January 1 in four provinces and one district: Phuket, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, and Koh Samui district, to evaluate its impact.
Impact assessment
Boonsong emphasised that minimum wage adjustments must align with the wage board’s resolutions. The meeting would assess employer and employee impacts from the recent minimum wage increase, using various surveys to understand the economic and livelihood implications for both parties. He highlighted the goal of gathering feedback on the sufficiency of living costs and employer challenges.
He further noted that the board would evaluate wages across various professions, such as mechanical, electrical, and automotive technicians, based on the Department of Skill Development’s standards.
Despite the end of the current board’s term today, it will continue to function in a caretaker capacity under legal provisions until a new board is appointed.
When asked about deciding on the 400 baht minimum wage adjustment, Boonsong clarified that it is not yet on the agenda and would be considered based on economic conditions and a gradual implementation approach.
Regarding the possibility of meeting the May 1 deadline set by the labour minister, he expressed commitment to follow the board’s resolutions. He also reassured that transitioning to a new wage board would not disrupt ongoing operations, as these are legally mandated tasks, reported KhaoSod.
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