Workers’ representative and adviser to the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), Chalee Loysoong, has called for a nationwide flat rate minimum wage increase to 492 baht. Arguing that this will bolster purchasing power, he suggests it as a more sustainable strategy than the government’s proposed one-time 10,000 baht cash handout scheme, particularly when factoring in the multiplier effect.
Chalee reassured that the wage hike would not push businesses to relocate their production bases to other countries, thanks to the appealing investment policies in Thailand. He proposed the flat rate on the grounds that consumer goods prices are uniform across the country.
“People in the provinces don’t necessarily buy cheaper goods. It’s vital to increase purchasing power across the board.”
Chalee also cautioned the labour minister against interfering…
