Ministry of Labor, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor Revealing the progress of the 400 baht wage. Still waiting to see the results of the meeting on May 14th. Confirming efforts to ensure that all parties are affected as little as possible. Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor Revealing the concern of many parties regarding the increase in the national minimum wage to 400 baht, the process of increasing the wage is currently being surveyed and studied. I have ordered provincial workers in each area to meet and discuss with entrepreneurs to bring information to consider appropriateness in each province. All of which will be within the criteria stipulated by law with academic principles and standards. Under the authority of the tripartite is the representative of the employer. Employee representative and government representatives Mr. Pairot added that Due to the rising cost of living causing workers to suffer together with government policy that focuses on enhanc ing the quality of life for the people and enabling the people to live lives appropriate to the current economic and social conditions. The Ministry of Labor has brought government policy to study and expand the results of increasing the minimum wage rate. through the tripartite mechanism It will consider raising the minimum wage rate that is appropriate and fair to employers and employees. As for the concerns of SME entrepreneurs, The Ministry of Labor will listen to the problems of entrepreneurs to see which types of businesses are affected. He also explained the need for a 400 baht wage increase because workers have suffered from rising living costs. Including listening to proposals for assistance measures from the private sector. to bring the proposal to the Cabinet meeting In order to issue further assistance measures, however, we will try to ensure that all parties are affected as little as possible. In the past, the Ministry of Labor announced the first increase in the minimum wage for 2024, effective January 1, 2024. Later, the Wage Committee resolved to set a minimum wage of 400 baht, piloting it in 10 provinces in businesses in the category of hotels. 4 stars and have 50 or more employees starting from April 13, 2024, with Phuket province covering the entire province, while the other 9 provinces covering certain areas are: 1.Bangkok Only Pathumwan District and Watthana District 2. Krabi Province Ao Nang Subdistrict Administrative Organization Area 3.Chonburi Province Pattaya city area 4.Chiang Mai Province Chiang Mai Municipality 5.Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Hua Hin Municipality 6. Phang Nga Province Khukkhak Subdistrict Municipality 7. Rayong Province Ban Phe Subdistrict 8.Songkhla Province Hat Yai Municipality and 9. Surat Thani Province Koh Samui District. Source: Thai News Agency