Boost unlikely until after poll

Boost unlikely until after poll

Further increases in the minimum wage are not in the pipeline although the present level has failed to keep up with cost of living increases, says the chairman of the wage committee.

Somkiat Chayasriwong, also permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry, said after the committee met yesterday his panel had ordered its provincial wage subcommittees to study wage increments that would suit their respective provinces.

Somkiat: Present levels too low

The subcommittees would propose their respective increases to the wage committee by June 16. Then a technical and scrutiny subcommittee would review their proposals and study possible economic impacts in the provinces if the hikes are implemented.
The wage committee will consider the wage increments for all of the provinces later this month or early next month and then propose the next average minimum wage increase to the government for its consideration.
He did not expect the caretaker government to consider the matter in case it was criticised for trying to woo the working class in the lead-up to the July 3 election.
The present minimum wage stands at 175.82 baht on average.
But a recent study found that a labourer needs 195.41 baht a day to survive and 211.23 baht a day to enjoy a decent standard of living, Mr Somkiat said.
The latest minimum wage increase in January brought the rate to 159-221 baht per day depending on the region.
"A minimum wage increase is a temporary solution. What is sustainable is wages that suit a labourer's skills," Mr Somkiat said.