Minimum wage raised

PHUKET: The Ministry of Labor has announced a five-baht increase in the minimum wage in Phuket, from 181 baht to 186 baht a day, with effect from January 1.

Dacha Praikpatanarak, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Labor Office (PPLO), said the Ministry of Labor announced the new minimum wage rates for all provinces and Bangkok on October 30.

The ruling was issued from Bangkok, on the recommendation of local authorities.

The new rate will not affect government employees, people working for non-governmental organizations, cottage industry piece workers or privately-hired domestic help.

The announcement came with a warning for employers to comply with the new minimum rate, as the PPLO, with help from the Phuket Provincial Labor Protection and Welfare Office, will carry out inspections to ensure compliance.

The penalties for employers found guilty of not paying the minimum wage are up to six months in jail, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

For more information contact the PPLO at Tel: 076-354035 or Fax: 076-354036.

To report an employer not paying the minimum wage call Tel: 076-211995 or 076-220760.