Thailand: New minimum wage rates for skilled workers

In brief

On 31 January 2023, the Cabinet acknowledged the Notification of the Wage Committee on Wage Rate According to Skills Standards No. 12 dated 10 January 2023 ("Notification") as proposed by the Ministry of Labour. The Notification will be published in the Royal Gazette and come into force after 90 days from its publication date.


Contents

In depth

Under the Notification, employees working in the prescribed 17 professions outlined below will be entitled to receive wage rates based on their skill standards.

Professional Branches Minimum wage per day (THB)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Industrial technology sector
1. Transmission worker 495 - -
2. Pump and valve worker 515 - -
3. Steel structure fabricator 500 - -
4. Mechanical fitter 500 - -
5. Robotic MIG-MAG welding system controller 520 - -
6. Mechatronics and industrial robotics technician 545 635 715
Mechanical sector
1. Farm tractor mechanic 465 535 620
2. Backhoe loader operator 585 -
3. Excavator operator 570 - -
4. Towing trailer operator 555 - -
5. Wheel loader operator 520 - -
Service industry sector
1. Holistic health promotion therapist: Thai Sappaya Nutrition Therapy 500 600 -
2. Holistic health promotion therapist: Thai Sappaya Hydrotherapy 500 600 -
3. Holistic health promotion therapist: Thai Sappaya Aromatherapy 500 600 -
4. Bartender 475 525 600
5. Early childhood care 530 - -
6. Disabled-aid technician 520 600 -

 

As seen above, the wage rates of the 17 professional employees are classified into level 1 to 3 depending on the employee's required skills and level of experience.

In order to be eligible for the minimum wage rates, the employee must be employed to work in a position that requires skill, knowledge, and ability according to the prescribed skill standard. In addition, the employee must pass the professional skill standards tests and obtain relevant certificates from the authorities. The mere fact that an employee has relevant experience or a certificate does not automatically entitle them to the minimum wage for skilled workers.

Employers of the employees in these professions specified in the Notification will be legally required to pay wages at least at the rates specified by the Notification when it takes effect. Failure to pay wages in accordance with the Notification may subject employers to criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to THB 100,000, or both.


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