Minimum-wage hike gets approval
The Labour Ministry yesterday announ-ced a rise in the minimum wage for blue-collar workers amid speculation the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party had a hidden agenda in the lead-up to the next election.
To take effect on August 1, the minimum daily wage as used in 35 provinces will go up by between Bt1 and Bt7, Somchai Wongsawas, the ministry's permanent-secretary, said yesterday.
The wage hike would not apply to the other provinces, which might be considered for a rise in October, he said.
The reason for the wage hike was the rise in fuel prices that largely raised the cost of living of workers in certain areas, Somchai said. T
he province to receive the highest wage hike is Ratchaburi. The minimum daily wage in the province will rise from Bt147 to Bt154.
A source said caretaker Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin planned to give many more benefits to low-income workers under a hidden agenda.
Earlier this week, the government announced special benefits for members of the Social Security Fund involving discounts on natural gas vehicle (NGV) conversions, reduced prices and interest rates for motorcycles and low-priced electrical equipment.
"Everybody is affected, so the question is why the hike does not apply to all equally," asked Wilaiwan Saetia, the president of the Thai Labour Reconciliation Committee.
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