Reminder on foreigners’ wages

PHUKET: Pol Capt Krissarat Nuesen, Deputy Inspector of the Phuket Provincial Immigration Office (PPIO), has reminded foreigners that, starting on July 10 this year, new minimum wage requirements will come into effect for foreigners seeking one-year permits to stay in Thailand on the basis of holding work permits. He said the new rates, which will nearly double the minimum wage requirements for one-year extensions to be granted, are intended to further restrict foreign workers to specialized occupations. Capt Krissarat said that the increases were announced a year in advance in order to give businesses employing foreign workers a chance to adjust to the change. Starting July 10, applicants who wish to extend a visa by one year at their local Immigration office will be required to submit a copy of their PorNgoDor1 tax report showing that their monthly income, including benefits and allowances, meets the new minimum wage requirement. The increases are expected to wreak havoc on schools which employ foreigners. The average salary of a teacher from any of these countries employed by a government school, is typically 25,000 to 30,000 baht. The increases are expected to drive many teachers out of the country and force those who choose to stay to leave the country every 90 days – regardless of their teaching schedules – or be subject to possible arrest, detention and deportation. The new minimum monthly salaries will be as follows: Japanese, American, Canadian, 60,000 baht; Europeans and Australians, 50,000 baht; Koreans, Taiwanese, Hong Kong Chinese, Singaporeans, Malaysians, British National Overseas passport holders, 45,000 baht; Indians, Middle Easterners, mainland Chinese, Indonesians, Filipinos, 35,000 baht: Laos, Burmese, Vietnamese, Cambodian and all Africans, 25,000 baht. Newspaper journalist get a special deal. They will be eligible for one-year renewals with a monthly income as low as 20,000 baht – even less than that of Burmese fisherman. Capt Krissarat added that employees of companies that hold contracts with the Thai Government might be eligible for exceptions, and advised workers to contact their Personnel Departments to find out.