Move Forward party’s Prime Ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, has been actively engaged in discussions with the private sector regarding his party’s proposal to increase the daily minimum wage to 450 baht. However, the recent meeting between Pita and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) did not yield any concrete outcomes, despite both parties acknowledging the necessity of raising minimum wages.
Sanan Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the TCC, disclosed after the meeting that although there was a shared sentiment between the two sides on the need for wage hikes, they differed in their views regarding the appropriate rate and timeline for implementation. In an effort to address these differences, both parties agreed to establish a committee that would follow up on the discussed issues. These topics included energy prices, assistance measures for the agricultural sector, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Mr. Sanan expressed satisfaction with the proposed economic measures, while emphasizing the importance of quickly forming a new government coalition to carry them out. He emphasized that the new government should assume office by September to ensure the timely passing of the new government budget. Any delays in this process would impede the disbursement of funds, thereby affecting the country’s economic growth initiatives.
The Move Forward party has campaigned for a minimum wage increase to 450 baht per day, to be implemented within the first 100 days of their administration. Pita affirmed that further discussions with the TCC would take place to determine the final rate and appropriate timeframe for the wage hike.
Responding to concerns that a higher minimum wage could lead to an increase in the prices of goods, Pita asserted that this might not always be the case. However, he was confident that an increase in wages would undoubtedly enhance the livelihoods of the people.
Regarding the recent adjustment of the minimum wage to 350 baht per day, Pita characterized it as a mere 5% increase in comparison to the 8% inflation rate. He emphasized the importance of simultaneously promoting workforce productivity.
The formation of a new administration currently awaits the formal endorsement of Members of Parliament by the Election Commission. Subsequent parliamentary sessions will be held to select a House Speaker, Prime Minister, and Cabinet members. Numerous stakeholders have called for the prompt formation of a new government in order to expedite the budgeting process and implement necessary economic measures.
