BANGKOK, 21 May 2015 – Deputy Bangkok Governor Police General Asawin Kwanmuang says he has planned to seek approval from the Bangkok Metropolitan Council for its proposal to boost risk allowances of firefighters working under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
General Asawin said BMA legal officials would be assigned to study laws and regulations regarding wage increase and to look for new budget sources to cover future expenses. He explained the idea of giving BMA firemen a pay rise was brought up as result of the higher cost of living and the dangers of their jobs.
If the idea is approved, risk allowances for firefighters will be adjusted from 5,000 baht to 8,000 baht per month. Risk allowances for BMA firefighters have remained unchanged since 2003. Those who work over 12 hours per day are unable to receive overtime payments.
The BMA currently spends 7.5 million baht on risk allowances for its 1,500 firefighters per month. If the proposed 8,000-baht allowance is approved, the expense will rise to 12 million baht per month.
