Unskilled workers in mostprovinces will be entitled to 315-320 baht a day. The new wage is scheduled totake effect from January 1, 2020 after it is approved by the Thai cabinet.
Pichit Deesui, Secretary-Generalof the National Congress of Thai Labour (NCTL), said the raise was forunskilled labour. The national wage committee would meet again on January 9,2020 to discuss wages for skilled workers.
Suthi Sukosol, permanentsecretary for labour, said the committee made its decision after carefulconsideration of factors including employees' cost of living, employers'ability to pay, and local and global economic conditions.
NCTL President Suchart Thailuansaid the raise was appropriate and would not affect employment and the overalleconomy. The rise is acceptable to both employers and employees, he said.
The 6-baht increment will applyin Bangkok, Chon Buri, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon. The5-baht rise will apply in the other provinces.
According to the new salarymechanism, there will be 10 new wage levels. The highest, 336-baht a day, willbe for Chon Buri and Phuket provinces, and the lowest rate of 313 baht for thethree southern border provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala./.