Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced yesterday that the Thai government is rolling out a series of new employment benefits to debut on May 1, International Workers’ Day. Among these initiatives is a proposal to raise the national minimum wage to 400 baht, garnering significant attention.
The decision to increase the minimum wage has been endorsed by the tripartite wage committee, inclusive of government, employer, and employee representatives. Phiphat unveiled this move as part of a broader package of surprises slated for implementation by May Day.
Additionally, plans include an extension of the existing soft loan program aimed at freelance and self-employed workers, set to conclude next Tuesday. With over one million workers already benefiting from this scheme, its extension seems imminent. Phiphat highlighted the interest-free nature of the loan for the initial two years, with a nominal interest rate of 2% applied thereafter.
A potential highlight for May Day could be the formal ratification of two International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, namely Conventions No.87 and No.98, focusing on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining, respectively.
While the employer faction of the tripartite committee exhibits reluctance towards ILO Convention No.87, they express support for Convention No.98. Nevertheless, the committee has tentatively agreed to both conventions, marking a notable shift endorsed by Phiphat after three decades of advocacy.
Phiphat also advocated for the ratification of ILO conventions No.144 on Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) and No.155 on Occupational Safety and Health, citing potential benefits for workers. These conventions are anticipated to receive approval from the tripartite committee ahead of the ILO’s gathering in Geneva, Switzerland, scheduled for June 11 to 15.
