The order was made by Gen Sirichai Ditsakul of the Ministry of Labour during a visit to Phuket yesterday (Aug 26), where he also discussed with employers about minimum wages for skilled workers.
Yesterday’s meeting was held at Provincial Hall and attended by local businessmen and investors including the Federation Phuket Industry, Phuket Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Council of Phuket, Tourism Association, Tour Guide Association and more.
Gen Sirichai said that the reason for his visit was to follow up on the government’s policy regarding Thailand’s labour issues.
“We want everyone to understand the current labour laws and policies and to use the guidelines which have been set out for the next 20 years and are aimed at stabilising the county’s labour force and developing a better economy and society for our future generations,” Gen Sirichai said.
Ministry of Labour spokesman, Mr Theerapol Khunmuang, added “Today we have come to Phuket to visit local labour office officials to thank them for their work and also to make them understand the government’s current policies.
“The registration process for migrant workers is not longer extendable, so local officials must strictly enforce the law and welcome the process of using the MOU so all migrants worker information can by in the system in the country from where they came.
“Foreigners working in Thailand must have employees and work according to their work permit, migrants cannot work as a street vendor, and if officials find any they will be arrested,” he said.
“Local businessmen attending today’s meeting also gained some valuable advice from the Minister especially regarding setting wages according to an employee’s skill level, which is one of the Ministry’s policies.”
“Today the minimum wage for employees is B300, however, the Ministry will require employers to pay higher wages for skilled workers. So far we have increased wages for skilled workers in 55 job roles, 12 more roles will be added this year which will mostly be within the industrial industry.
“By next year we will add another 16 roles, four being in the industrial industry.
“Our aim is to cover all the workforce. The minimum wage for skilled workers is B360 per day and the maximum B880 per day,” he added.
“Phuket is a tourism landmark, so the island must be ready to provide manpower and skilled workers for the labour industry so it can compete with the rest of the world.
“This will attract more jobs and create skilled /competitive employees. In turn, we can generate more income for Phuket and for the country. We also want Phuket to be the super centre of digital hubs,” he concluded.