On April 10, 2024, new minimum wage rates for workers in certain hotels in Thailand were published in the Government Gazette, taking effect on April 13, 2024.
Under the Notification of the National Wage Committee on Minimum Wage Rate for the Hotel Industry, the new minimum wage rate is THB 400 per day, applicable to employees working in four-star (and above) hotels that have at least 50 employees and are located in the following specific areas:
- Bangkok: Pathumwan and Wattana districts
- Krabi: Ao Nang Subdistrict Administrative Organization areas
- Chon Buri: Pattaya city
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai municipality
- Prachuap Khiri Khan: Hua Hin municipality
- Phang-nga: Khukkhak sub-district municipality
- Phuket: Whole province
- Rayong: Phe subdistrict
- Songkhla: Hat Yai municipality
- Surat Thani: Koh Samui municipality
Rationale
The increase in the minimum wage is to drive and stimulate the economy in Thailand's tourism industry, which is critical to the overall economy of the country. The ten areas identified above are those that earn a significant portion of their revenue from tourism.
The decision underwent a public hearing process involving stakeholders. Although there were objections from some hotels claiming they were not yet ready to bear the increased costs, the law was enacted, taking effect on April 13, 2024.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.