Bangkok, Thai Chamber of Commerce and labor-intensive trade associations. Opposing the 400 baht wage increase nationwide, confirming the stance that not all private sectors are ready. From the case on May 1, 2024, which was the previous Labor Day, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, along with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Announced a wage increase of 400 baht nationwide for all occupations by October 1, 2024. Most recently this morning (May 7) Mr. Poj Aramwattananon Vice Chairman Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand and Mr. Thanawat Phonwichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advisory Center for Economic and Business Forecasting He held a press conference opposing the minimum wage policy of 400 baht nationwide. Mr. Poj has read the statement of opposition. Ready to say Received complaints from the private sector Especially in the tourism and service sectors, 54 trade associations submi tted names opposing the said wage increase because it increases the cost burden until there is no profit left. and the Thai Chamber of Commerce A list of opposing associations will be submitted to the Labor Minister on May 13, which is expected to include 100 trade associations that oppose the wage increase. However, chambers of commerce across the country and labor-intensive trade associations Agree with raising the level of income for workers, but the annual minimum wage rate adjustment should be adjusted as required by law in Section 87 of the Labor Protection Act, B.E. 2541. The wage increase should take into account educational outcomes and Listen to opinions from the sub-committee considering the provincial minimum wage rate and the Wage Committee (tripartite) again. Adjustment of the wage rate should be based on the skills of the workers. and adjusting the minimum wage rate for specific provinces and business types There should be listening to opinions and studying the readiness of each province. Adj usting wages will increase production costs because in some provinces they will go up to 21%. Therefore, adjusting the minimum wage rate without taking into account what the law requires will cause the business sector and entrepreneurs to stop their business, reduce the size of their business or adjust. Business outside the tax system leading to layoffs and eventual layoffs of employees Mr. Thanawat added that This wage adjustment is a policy increase from the campaign that did not increase as needed. Last year, the Thai economy grew only 1.9% and when looking back 3 years, the Thai economy grew only 6%. According to the survey results of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, it was found that labor wage adjustments It should be adjusted according to the mechanism and the rising cost of living. This adjustment will make employment dull. Entrepreneurs will turn to using more machines in the future. Source: Thai News Agency