BANGKOK, 15 May 2012 – The Labor Ministry has revealed a staggering number of workers being laid off. Reports from the Department of Workers Protection and Welfare indicated that 7,900 workers were laid off in the first quarter this year, a huge increase from last year’s figure, which was reported at only 40 workers.
According to the report, 15,900 people applied for social benefits for the unemployed in the first quarter this year, a 200% increase year-on-year. The Social Security Office also indicated that the number of new employees joining the social security system has been on a decline for the past five months.
The Department of Workers Protection and Welfare urged people not to panic about the numbers, saying it is analyzing the effects of the 300-baht minimum wage policy, to see whether it will lead to higher unemployment rates.
