Labour Ministry to apply new wage rate for skilled labour

BANGKOK, Aug 5 (TNA) – The Labour Ministry will apply new wage rates for 20 additional professions of skilled labour in five industrial groups to promote Thai labour skill development. Permanent Secretary for Labour Puntrik Smiti said that the ministry earlier announced raising wage for 35 skilled professions. The addition of 20 professions is in accordance with the government’s policy to improve skilled labour standard. The increased wage is an indirect approach to encourage them to develop their skills. Five industries are electricity, electronics, auto and auto parts, jewelry industry and logistics. Employees are required to pass the national labour skill standard test of their professions. The new wage rates range from 340-550 baht per day and will be put in effect on August 10. The new wage rate will help employees to have better quality of life. If employers refused to pay the new rate, they are deemed violating the Labour Protection Law. So far about 70,000 labourers of 55 professions have passes the tests. (TNA)