BANGKOK SEATIZENS –Thai workers could soon see a pay boost, with the Labour Ministry planning to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day starting in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially scheduled for October, the wage hike faced delays due to issues within the national wage committee, as business representatives failed to attend meetings. The final decision on the raise is expected by December, with the increase aligning with the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign pledge to reach a 600-baht minimum by 2027.
According to Thaitiger, The new wage will affect businesses with over 200 employees, although there are concerns about its impact on smaller businesses and regional disparities. While some business leaders warn that a national flat rate may burden companies in economically weaker provinces, Phiphat acknowledged that the increase would cost employers an additional 73 baht per worker per day. The Labour Minister emphasized that the wage rise is necessary due to the increasing cost of living, despite pushback from employers’ groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries, who argue that they are not ready for the change.
As the wage committee prepares to meet in December to finalize the decision, the debate continues over how the increase will affect Thailand’s diverse economy. Business groups remain concerned about the practicality of a uniform wage policy across all regions, while the government insists that the wage hike is crucial to support workers facing rising living costs. With key stakeholders set to convene once again, the outcome of the December meeting will determine the next steps in this long-awaited wage adjustment.
(BEAM CHAYAPON)
