New wage hike monitored by Thai labour networks/authorities

BANGKOK, January 2 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Labour and labour networks are closely monitoring the labour situation, after the government's 300-baht daily minimum wage policy has taken effect throughout the country since January 1, 2013. Pakorn Amorncheewin, Director General of the ministry's Labour Protection and Welfare Department, told reporters on Wednesday that he has ordered his department's officials to monitor the updated labour situation, particularly in 29 provinces, covering Phayao in the Thai North and Khon Kaen in the Thai Northeast considered major bases of Thai garment and ceramic manufacturers, following reports that several employers are considering laying off workers after the daily minimum wage hike. Pakorn warned that employers who are found violating the rule, by paying less than the 300-baht daily minimum wage benchmark or adding their welfare with the new wage, will face a maximum imprisonment of six months or a fine of 100,000 baht or both. Chalee Loysoong, Chairman of the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee, said, meanwhile, that a labour complaint centre has been set up to assist workers who are terminated from their jobs following the increased daily minimum wage, with information received from the labourers to be forwarded to the Ministry of Labour within the next few months for further consideration and action. (TNA)