National —
On September 23rd, 2024, Labor Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn addressed the recent delays in the Minimum Wage Board meetings.
The board was expected to discuss a nationwide minimum wage increase to 400 baht on October 1st, 2024, but two previous attempts to hold the tripartite meeting failed. A new meeting scheduled for September 24th has also been postponed indefinitely due to issues with appointing a new representative from the Bank of Thailand (BoT).
Permanent Secretary of Labor Pairoj Chotikasathien sent a letter to the BoT, requesting clarification on appointing a new representative after the retirement of Methi Supapong nearly a year ago.
The Ministry of Labor is awaiting the BoT’s response before proceeding with further meetings. Phipat reportedly stated that the wage adjustment, crucial due to rising living costs, has been delayed, with no confirmation of when it will be addressed.
Additionally, Phipat expressed concern over the growing cost of living, noting that it has been 12 years since the last significant wage increase to 300 baht from Yingluck Shinawatra’s government.
Workers today often struggle to support their families, and many are forced to work overtime or take on second jobs, affecting family life and contributing to societal issues, including drug addiction, remarked Phipat.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
