PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 04 :51
The government’s commitment to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht hit a barrier on Tuesday after the tripartite table delayed its decision amid businesses ‘ concerns over an economic consequences following the recent US tax adjustments.
Tuesday’s 15-member board meeting, chaired by the Labour Ministry’s continuous minister, Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, was unable to verify that the climb promised before Labour Day on May 1 by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn may be implemented.
Companies ‘ members who attended the meeting said several particulars were lacking, said Mr Boonsong. The second appointment has now been postponed to an undefined meeting in May, he said.
Staff members also agreed that this is not the proper time for a pay climb due to the US taxes. But, Mr Boonsong said that business that could provide the income excursions, like hospitality or services, would not be affected by the US price plan.
Asked whether next year’s income trek for the companies and tourism industries played a component in the selection, Mr Boonsong said elements such as the number of tourists to Thailand had been considered.
Meanwhile, employers have complained about a lack of relief measures from the government since the initial hike took effect in January.
Natthakit Khettrakarn, representing the group at the meeting, said employers have been forced to shoulder” a heavy burden”. He also touched on the 36 % US levy on Thai imports into the US, and agreed the wage hike could wait for now.
Mr Phiphat earlier said the details of the hike would be agreed at the April 8 meeting. However, only eight members of the tripartite wage committee attended, resulting in the postponement to April 22.
Mr Phiphat voiced concern that the wage hike, if applied in all professions and sectors nationwide, would affect some 500,000 small and medium businesses.