Minimum Wage to Be Raised to 400 Baht in Tourist Areas

BANGKOK, The tripartite board has approved an increase in the minimum wage to 400 Baht, setting a benchmark in 10 tourism-driven provinces, specifically for the hotel industry, focusing on 4-star hotels. Permanent Secretary for Labor Pairoj Chotikasathien chaired the wage committee meeting to review the new minimum wage rates for the 10 tourism-driven provinces. Following the meeting, it was revealed that the wage committee had passed a resolution to approve the establishment of minimum wage rates for the hotel industry, applicable to employers and employees working in business establishments of 4-star and above hotel category with a staff size of at least 50 people. The minimum wage rate is set at 400 Baht per day, effective from April 13, 2024, in the designated areas of the 10 provinces, namely: Bangkok (only Pathum Wan and Wattana districts), Krabi (only Ao Nang sub-district), Chonburi (only Pattaya City), Chiang Mai (only Chiang Mai municipality), Prachuap Khiri Khan (only Hua Hin municipality), Phang Nga (only Khuek-khak sub-district), Phuket, Rayong (only Ban Phe sub-district) , Songkhla (only Hat Yai municipality) and Surat Thani (only Ko Samui district). The Permanent Secretary for Labor stated that today's resolution is a consensus reached after the wage committee gathered inputs from the 10 provincial committees and presented them to the academic and screening committee for further review. Despite differing opinions, efforts were made to reach a conclusion. The resolution will be submitted for approval to the cabinet next week. The tourism industry is crucial to the overall economy of the country, with continuous expansion in hotel accommodation services. The 10 provinces mentioned are areas with high tourism revenue. Therefore, the wage committee has set the minimum wage rates for the hotel industry to drive economic growth in the tourism sector. Considering equity and listening to all stakeholders' opinions, the aim is to enable employers and employees to conduct business and live happily. The w age committee will closely monitor the impact of the minimum wage adjustment on the hotel industry and proceed with future wage rate adjustments with thorough consideration. Source: Thai News Agency