Amidst the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, a worker is captured diligently completing maintenance at Tha Tian pier, as the city’s pulse continues its rhythmic beat. The picture taken on the serene banks of the Chao Phraya River on November 26th paints a tranquil moment against the backdrop of the ever-evolving economic landscape. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
While the waters of the river flow placidly by, the currents of economic debate are anything but still, as the tripartite committee on minimum daily wages prepares to reconvene on Wednesday. This meeting comes in the wake of remarks from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that the recently agreed-upon daily wage rate is woefully inadequate in the face of current financial demands.
Pairoj Chotikasathien, the esteemed permanent secretary for labour, will steer the committee’s discourse in his role as chairman. Members representing employees, employers, and the government will dissect the possibility of revising the Dec 8 resolution. Whispers of a groundbreaking formula proposed by the sharp minds from the Faculty of Economics of Thammasat University will weave their way through discussions, adding a fresh layer of academic insight to the wage debate.
On the other side of the coin, Atthayut Leeyavanich, an ardent voice for employers on the committee, believes there’s merit in steadiness. He raises the flag of adherence to the Dec 8 decision crafted under the aegis of established legal rules and fortified by a consensus. Mr Atthayut holds fast to the wage formula that has rooted the nation’s labor scene since 1998 – a testament to Thailand’s enduring Labor Protection Act. To him, the time-tested process that cleared its path to the cabinet demands respect.
In a tango of numbers that have sparked nationwide attention, the committee had previously inched the dial upward on the wage scale, ranging the hike from 330 baht to 370 baht per day. This increment reflects a humble shift from the existing 328-354 baht range, stirring a chorus of varying perspectives throughout the country’s diverse regions.
Representing the heartbeat of the worker’s aspirations, Weerasuk Kaewboonpan stands at the ready to gather a tapestry of committee opinion. With a keen ear to the ground, he will navigate through a sea of viewpoints to chart the course for any potential adjustments to the wage resolution. If consensus points to change, there will be deeper exploration into wage enhancements. However, if the resolution is deemed set in stone, the committee will stand down and simply observe the unfolding economic climate with a view to revisiting wage adjustments next May.
Amidst this spirited debate, we find Olarn Thinbangtieo, a lecturer with a sharp legal mind from Burapha University’s Faculty of Political Science and Law. He offers a bold suggestion for Prime Minister Srettha – perhaps a shake-up of the cabinet itself if the pledge to achieve a 400 baht minimum wage does not materialize. This figure was not plucked from thin air; it resonates from the Pheu Thai Party’s populist promises that swept them to power.
In his recent address amidst the tranquil settings of Kanchanaburi, the Prime Minister conveyed his discontent with the minuscule wage increase, calling attention to the disparity between this rise and the burgeoning cost of living. He painted a stark image of the situation, likening the paltry 2-3 baht raise in the southern provinces to an amount insufficient to even purchase a single egg. The message was clear: the fight for fair wages is far from over.
As we await the committee’s next move, one thing is clear – the dialogue around the daily wages in Thailand is not just about numbers on a paycheck; it’s about dignity, survival, and the ability to thrive amidst economic adversity. The stage is set, the players are ready, and Thailand watches with bated breath as the next act of this fiscal drama unfolds.
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