BANGKOK, 10 June 2015, The President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), SuphanMongkholsuthee, says he will discuss the issue of minimum wage with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) during their next meeting.
According to him, the minimum wage hike should be treated as a local matter, taking into consideration how a particular province’s economy performs. Mr. Suphan is opposed to paying the same minimum wage nationwide, as the country’s economy has yet to fully recover. He pointed out that the inflation rate has contracted for 5 consecutive months, a clear sign that the country’s economy is still recovering.
Given that reason, it will be very difficult to increase the minimum wage right now, said the FTI President. Even if it could be done, it would be impossible to determine what the appropriate minimum wages for all provinces should be.
The issue will be discussed at length with the JSCCIB during the next meeting, said Mr. Suphan.
