Thailand to implement minimum wage increase in January

Thailand is set to raise its minimum wage starting in January, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday, affirming an earlier consensus reached by a wage committee. Additionally, the government has plans for an additional wage increment in March.

Initially, a tripartite committee comprising government officials, employers, and employee representatives had endorsed a modest 2.37 per cent rise in the daily minimum wage, effective from January. However, Prime Minister Srettha expressed reservations about the adequacy of this increase.

The ruling Pheu Thai party had campaigned on a populist agenda, prominently featuring a commitment to elevate the daily minimum wage to 400 baht.

Labour Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn elaborated on the upcoming changes, stating, "An upcoming review, encompassing regional wage structures and specific professional categories, is expected to conclude in March. This will determine the sectors and regions eligible for further wage hikes."

Presently, the minimum wage in Thailand ranges between 328 and 354 baht ($9.49 - $10.24), varying across different regions of the country. The wage committee has now reached a consensus to adjust this range, setting it between 330 baht and 370 baht.

(With Reuters inputs)