Thread by @ThaiEnquirer

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat said after the meeting between the party's economic team & representatives from The Thai Chamber of Commerce that the party will persist in advocating for an increase in the daily minimum wage to Bt450 per day.

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In addition to the discussion regarding the daily minimum wage, Pita mentioned that they also covered the following topics:

- Corruption
- The redevelopment of the Eastern Economic Corridor
- The Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model
Border trade

- The development of the formation of the MFP-led coalition government
- The exports situation
- The inflation level

Sanan Angubolkul, TCC Chairman, expressed satisfaction with the meeting, describing it as "fruitful."

He further stated that the chamber was reassured by the MFP's economic stimulus measures, which were clear.

However, he also mentioned that there are still matters to discuss with other coalition partners as well.

Sanan stated that the TCC agreed with the increase in the daily minimum wage, but emphasized that it should be implemented in a timely and gradual manner.

He also mentioned that the chamber now anticipates the formation of the new government by September.

Regarding the MFP's zero-based budgeting approach, the TCC said that it has been done in Thailand before.

However, Sanan expressed concerns that if this approach is adopted within a very limited timeframe, it could lead to delays in the disbursement of the fiscal budget.

Pita emphasized that the speed at which the coalition can form a government is dependent on the Election Commission's endorsement of the MPs.

Once completed, the parliament can be established to proceed with voting for the House Speaker, PM & subsequently forming the Cabinet.

Pita emphasized that the implementation of zero-based budgeting by 2025 could begin by utilizing a portion of the unattached investment budget from the fiscal budget.

This budget was worth around 250 billion baht in the previous fiscal budget.

Furthermore, he mentioned the possibility of redirecting subsidies for diesel and repurposing the navy's budgets that were allocated for buying Chinese vessels and building new maintenance ports, both of which were put on hold under the new government.

These resources can be reallocated to support the implementation.

Pita also said the implementation of zero-based budgeting for the Bt250 billion budget would not be significantly different from how Bangkok Governor Chadchart managed the Bt90 billion budget for the capital.

Pita emphasized that even with a minimum wage of 450 baht per day and considering 20 working days in a month, the resulting monthly income would still be below 10,000 baht.

He underlined that such an income level is inadequate for most individuals to cover their living expenses, particularly in the face of significant inflation and rising costs.

"When it is very hard to make ends meet, it is very hard to upskill yourself," he said.

Pita said his party recognizes the necessity for a comprehensive and balanced approach that takes into account the interests of both employers and employees.

He stressed the importance of developing measures to lower production costs alongside addressing the issue.

Pita mentioned that although the daily minimum wage may have already increased by 5% in October, it is noteworthy that inflation has risen by 9% as well.

This highlights the potential mismatch between wage increases and the cost of living.

He expressed the intention to engage in further discussions with the private sector to explore both the positive and negative implications of a daily wage increase, taking into account their perspectives and insights.