On January 1, 2025, the new nationwide minimum wage adjustment took effect, including a THB 400 daily rate in provinces such as Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Phuket, Rayong, and Koh Samui in Surat Thani. The wage increase, approved by the 22nd Wage Committee on December 23, 2024, applies to all employers and employees across Thailand.
Panat Thailuan, President of the Thai Labour Organization Council, stated that the impact on workers has been minimal, as approximately 90% of businesses already pay wages exceeding THB 400 per day. In provinces like Rayong, where wages are higher than the minimum rate, the adjustment has generated little response. Workers, he explained, are more focused on additional benefits, such as bonuses, attendance incentives, and meal allowances, rather than base wage increases.
“Currently, there is no significant enthusiasm or objection from workers or employers. For employees already earning above the minimum, there is little motivation tied to the wage adjustment. Instead, workers hope for improved welfare benefits, like increasing meal allowances from THB 30 to THB 40 or addressing rising living costs,” said Panat.
Employers, meanwhile, are concerned about the potential financial burden, such as increased bonus payments tied to the higher minimum wage. Panat also questioned whether the monthly equivalent of THB 400 per day (approximately THB 12,000) is sufficient for workers to sustain a decent living amid increasing expenses.