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Published on October 20, 2007

Phuket was the only one given a Bt7 hike, while Bangkok and neighbouring provinces were awarded Bt3.

Labour permanent secretary Juthathawat Inthornsuksri said yesterday that the increases would be submitted to Labour Minister Apai Chandanachulaka to propose to the Cabinet for approval by this month's end, so the new wages could take effect on January 1.

He said the wage levels could be adjusted further if living costs continued to rise.

Speaking after the committee met to scrutinise the new wage proposals based on the inflation rate, living costs, oil prices and other factors, Juthathawat said they agreed to raise the minimum daily wage in 56 provinces by Bt1 to Bt7 - as requested by the provincial panels.

Phuket got the highest raise of Bt7, taking its minimum wage to Bt193, while Chachoengsao and Ayutthaya received a Bt5 raise to Bt165.

Krabi, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Loei and Sing Buri had a Bt4 raise, while 20 provinces including Bangkok and nearby provinces got Bt3. The Bangkok minimum wage will now be Bt194.

Seventeen provinces including Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Buri Ram and Mae Hong Son will get a Bt2 raise, while 10 including Phitsanulok, Chumphon, Samut Songkhram and Sa Kaew will get just Bt1.

Juthathawat said the committee was considering the increase for Uthai Thani and would submit all the hikes for Cabinet approval by the month's end.

The Nation