Talks coming on more minimum-wage rises

According to Democrat Party spokesman Buranat Samutarak, raising minimum wages is one of two major policies for the upcoming election to help the poor cope with the increasing cost of living. On the other hand, farmers' income will also be raised by the same amount.

"We will launch the policies soon through TV commercials and radio spots until the election takes place," he said.

The latest rises in minimum wages, by Bt8-Bt11 per day depending on the province, took place in January and drew criticism from manufacturers.

Meanwhile, Labour Ministry permanent secretary Somkiat Chayasriwong, as chairman of the Central Wage Committee, noted that the planned increase was just an election-campaign promise of the Democrat Party. He also believed other parties would follow suit, however.

He said provincial subcommittees had been assigned to collect data on the cost of living in each province and submit the data within two months.

If the cost of living in any province shows significant increases, the issue will be tabled at the committee's meeting for immediate discussion. Without such signs, the issue will be discussed at the end of the year, as usual.