All Bangkok workers to get 400 baht (S$15.72) minimum wage per day from Jul. 1, 2025

All workers in Bangkok, Thailand will have their daily minimum wage increased to 400 baht (S$15.72) per day from Jul. 1, 2025, Bangkok Post reported.

The new rate will also apply nationwide in some regions and sectors, such as hotels rated two stars and above with at least 50 rooms, as well as entertainment venues, such as karaoke bars, pubs, and cocktail lounges, Bangkok Post subsequently reported.

This amendment was the result of the Wage Committee's decision on Jun. 17 to enforce a 400-baht minimum wage in Bangkok and select sectors nationwide.

It marks a change in policy.

The minimum wage was previously applied more selectively to major tourist provinces and to upmarket hotels.

Workers earn less outside of capital

The current minimum wage in the capital Bangkok and surrounding provinces is 372 baht (S$14.62) a day.

It can range from 337 baht (S$13.24) to 380 baht (S$14.93), depending on the area beyond Bangkok.

The upcoming 400 baht rate will also apply in Phuket, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chachoengsao and Koh Samui.

About 700,000 workers nationwide in Thailand stand to benefit from this change.

To help businesses bear the costs, the Ministry of Labour has made 30 billion baht (S$1.18 billion) available for soft loans.

How the change came about

A two-thirds majority of national wage committee members backed the increases on Jun. 17.

The outcome is now pending final Cabinet approval.

Concerns raised

But there are concerns.

At least one Thai member of parliament has expressed his worry that workers outside of Bangkok, who are paid lower or who work in sectors that are not selected for the minimum wage policy to apply, will still have to deal with a higher cost of living.

He also raised concerns regarding enforcement, given that some employees might fear reporting employers who do not adhere to the minimum wage obligation and end up losing their jobs for whistleblowing.

Top photo via Unsplash