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The Central Wage Committee today approved a rise in 71 provinces, having workers in Ayutthaya enjoying the biggest increase and workers in seven provinces receiving only Bt1.

After a 2-hour discussion, the committee at its third meeting based the decision on the different levels of costs of living across the country and the inflation rate of 5 per cent.

Workers in Ayutthaya where a large number of industrial plants are located will see their minimum daily wage raised from Bt173 to Bt181.

 The Cabinet will consider the new minimum wage, which will be effective on January 1 as a New Year gift to all workers.

 

 

Samart Angwarawong, honourary chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries Khon Kaen where the minimum wage is raised Bt3 to Bt157, opposed to the move, saying that it would hit the economy. He noted that though overall economic outlook is brighter, the bullishness is concentrated in some areas.

 "Bangkok and peripheral provinces would be the first to feel the pinch from any crisis, but the impacts would be seen here in Khon Kaen a year later. Vice versa, when Bangkok and peripheral provinces see improvement, it would take a year for Khon Kaen. Right now, people here tighten their belt," he said.

 He noted that some employers may affect employment in the province, and the wage increase may lead to layoffs.