Representatives of workers’ organizations marched vigorously through the bustling streets of Bangkok on May 1, celebrating National Labour Day with fervor and a touch of defiance. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
In a tale that seems riddled with bureaucratic twists and turns, a nationwide wage hike has faced yet another delay. The much-anticipated vote on a proposed 400-baht increase hit a roadblock, spiraling into a stalemate after it came to light that a crucial tripartite wage committee member might be losing his seat. This vote, scheduled for a decisive moment on Friday, was abruptly adjourned due to an insufficient quorum, pushing the next meeting to Tuesday.
Of the 15-member committee, a minimum of ten must be present to cast any binding vote, but this bar wasn’t met. Count them: only nine members showed up on Friday, leaving the crucial quorum short by one. On the absentee list were six notable figures—four government reps and two from the employee side. Oddly enough, all five employer representatives were present, seemingly poised for the discussion that never quite took off. Adding some spice to the mix, a new plot twist emerged, casting shadows over the already cloudy outlook for the wage decision.
Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien revealed on Saturday that Methee Supapong, representing the Bank of Thailand (BoT) and a government member of the committee, had actually retired from public service a year ago. The committee wasted no time writing to the BoT for clarity on Mr. Methee’s status. The response landed on Friday, bluntly confirming that Mr. Methee no longer represented the agency in any legal capacity, essentially banishing him from the committee seat. This revelation could push back the wage vote even beyond the rescheduled Tuesday meeting.
Addressing the situation, Mr. Pairoj stressed, “All 15 committee members must be present for the wage vote to take place. We must wait for that.”
It’s rather curious: Mr. Methee retired last year, yet held onto his committee seat. Initially, BoT continued to back him in his role. But Friday’s official word from the BoT sealed his fate, stripping him off the committee. “In practice, [Mr. Methee] should refrain from attending meetings and allow someone else to take his place,” Mr. Pairoj commented.
Replacing Mr. Methee won’t be a swift affair. The cabinet needs to appoint his successor, a process that can dawdle up to 15 days. Following the cabinet’s approval and the public announcement in the Royal Gazette, the tripartite committee would need about a week to convene for a wage discussion. By then, the fiscal calendar will turn a new leaf on Oct 1, and Mr. Pairoj himself will have retired.
Amid this bureaucratic ballet, Mr. Pairoj opted not to engage with rumors swirling about Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office under the Commerce Ministry. Poonpong, one of the four elusive government reps, reportedly journeyed to the Labour Ministry intending to attend the Friday meeting. Yet, upon learning the quorum was kaput, he turned back. An insider source whispered, that had Poonpong stepped into the meeting, the quorum would have been fulfilled. Alas, another ‘what if’ moment in this saga of delayed decisions and dashed expectations.
The plot in Bangkok thickens, promising more turns and turbulence before the wage hike saga winds to an eventual conclusion. Stay tuned!
This delay is just another way to keep working-class people down. The government doesn’t care about us.
I think it’s more about bureaucratic incompetence than a deliberate attempt to hurt workers.
Joe, incompetence is a factor, but let’s not ignore that systemic disenfranchisement of the working class is sadly a common motif.
Larry D, sometimes incompetence and deliberate action aren’t mutually exclusive. Both seem to be at play here.
Is anyone else not surprised by another delay? It seems like they are just kicking the can down the road at this point.
Absolutely, Eva B. It’s ridiculous how they keep finding excuses not to make a decision.
That’s government for you. Slow and inefficient.
I feel for the laborers. They work so hard and deserve fair wages.
Agreed, but the economic implications of such a wage hike shouldn’t be ignored. Inflation could spike, making things worse for everyone.
Steve, raising wages can also increase consumer spending and stimulate the economy. It’s a balancing act.
Rita, exactly. People tend to forget that higher wages mean more disposable income for workers to spend.
Why did it take so long for them to realize that Methee Supapong was retired? Something seems fishy.
It looks like a huge oversight. How could the Bank of Thailand continue supporting him without checking first?
Nina K, probably on purpose to delay the vote. They don’t want to raise the minimum wage.
You have a point, grower134. Delays seem convenient for keeping the status quo.
What’s the point of having meetings if people aren’t even going to show up? It’s just a waste of everyone’s time.
Right? Poonpong Naiyanapakorn showing up just to leave is a perfect example of why nothing gets done.
Tim L, it’s almost like they want to avoid making decisions so they won’t be held accountable.
There’s always some excuse, isn’t there? Politicians and bureaucrats are all the same.
Bo, it’s frustrating for sure. They need to prioritize the needs of the workers.
Helen, they should prioritize, but they don’t. It’s all about who has more influence and power.
Can’t wait for the next plot twist. Perhaps another official will suddenly remember they are retired.
It’s appalling that this basic issue can’t be sorted out quickly. Workers are the backbone of the country.
What a chaotic mess! It’s like a soap opera but with people’s livelihoods at stake.
While it’s easy to criticize, we can’t ignore that such decisions require thorough discussions to avoid long-term economic issues.
Jen, that’s true but this delay seems more like a tactic rather than a thoughtful approach.
This is so disheartening. These people just want decent wages, and they keep getting the run-around.
Will they ever make a decision? Or will they just continue to stall?
It’s a travesty that the essential rights of workers are caught in red tape.
How incompetent can they be? This should be straightforward.
The whole system is broken. There needs to be reform at every level.
Until they care about workers more than their political games, nothing will change.
At this rate, we’ll all be retired by the time they make a decision!