Permanent Secretary of Labour M.L. Puntrik Smiti chaired the 19th Wage Committee meeting for the second time this year. After the meeting, she gave a speech where she explained the meeting’s summary on minimum wages nationwide, to which surveys found a majority of businesses to practice according to labour laws; the few in violation would be prosecuted according to the law which inflicts an imprisonment penalty of no more than 6 months, a maximum fine of 100,000 Baht or both. Inspections conducted by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare in January 2017 covering 3,176 organizations and 132,036 staff, found a total of 86 organizations in violation of labour laws, equating to 2.7 percent of organizations. From this number, 462 employees were found in violation equivalent to 0.3 percent. Most of the organizations had 1-4 staff, considered a small number in violation to the laws. The meeting also presented the Wage Committee’s work for provincial wage subcommittees, which will carry out economic surveys in each province from March to May. Then in June, the subcommittee will present its findings to be considered in the minimum wage adjustment.
The Permanent Secretary continued to explain that under Section 40 of the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541, once the minimum wage is enforced, employers must adhere immediately. The revised minimum wage will also be announced publicly so that all employees are aware. Employers found in violation face a maximum imprisonment term of 6 months, a maximum fine of 100,000 Baht or both.
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Bureau of Public Relations
