Over 2,000 Thai SMEs affected by wage hike

BANGKOK, December 8 (TNA) - An initial survey conducted by the Thai Ministry of Labour has found that 2,193 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country have been affected by the government's policy on raising daily minimum wages to 300 baht equally in all areas across the country, which will be fully implemented on January 1, 2013. Labour Minister Phadermchai Sasomsab confirmed Saturday, quoting information given to him by provincial labour offices, that the preliminary figures have shown the 2,193 SMEs employing 49,316 workers totally have been affected by the wage hike. Phadermchai acknowledged first top five local businesses which have been affected by the 300 baht-daily minimum wage policy include auto parts, general production, wholesale and retail, construction and food industries. According to the labour minister, he will raise the issue to a committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong during a meeting next Friday to find ways to assist the affected businesses. So far, workers in Bangkok and six neighbouring provinces have first received the 300 baht-daily minimum wage; while those in the remaining provinces across the country will get the increased wage as of next January 1. (TNA)