Wage hike to B400 takes effect

WHILE THE NATION WAS BUSY ENGAGING in water fights and celebrating the Songkran festival on Apr 13, the second daily minimum wage hike for this year came into effect.

The increase saw the minimum wage raised to B400 a day in 10 tourism-driven provinces, including Phuket. The increase was specifically for the hotel industry, focusing on four-star hotels.

Meanwhile, a 10% increase in state officials’ salaries will be implemented on May 1, said deputy government spokesman Karom Polpornklang, reported the Bangkok Post.

Mr Karom said the latest wage increase applied to employees at upscale hotels and resorts with at least 50 staff in the provinces of Bangkok, Krabi, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phang Nga, Phuket, Rayong, Songkhla and Surat Thani.

Employees eligible for the new wage are advised to file complaints with the Labour Ministry if their employers fail to adjust their wage, a move that was approved on Mar 26, he said.

The latest increase drew harsh criticism from two labour rights groups, saying it marked the worst change to the country’s wage system.

The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC) and State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SEWRC) said in joint remarks that the decision to implement the minimum wage hike in only some areas rather than uniformly is unfair, reports the Bangkok Post.

The groups said disparities in wages among workers in the same province despite the fact that the prices of goods and services such as water, electricity and internet were the same

Labour Ministry Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien chairs the wage committee meeting to review the new minimum wage rates for the 10 tourism-driven provinces on Mar 26.

would create inequities.

They called on the government and the Labour Ministry to stop creating disparities in wages and reiterated their demand for a daily minimum wage of B492, or no less than B400.

They also insisted that the daily minimum wage rise must be implemented uniformly.

“This adjustment marks the worst change to the country’s wage system,” their statement said.

The groups proposed the daily minimum wage should be only the entry-level wage and that every business be required to create a wage structure to give incentives to workers. They said they would consider further action if their demands were not met.

Meanwhile, Sitthipong Sitthipatprapa, chairman of hotel operators in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district, said the new wage increase would have a negative impact on businesses in the area.

Mr Sitthipong criticised the tripartite wage committee’s decision, saying it was not right because room prices and service charges in the 10 provinces affected by the wage increase differ. The Phuket News