On November 8, Thailand's Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the minimum wage increase to 400 baht per day will be implemented by January 1, 2025, despite delays in appointing two new members to the wage-setting committee. Following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between the Department of Skill Development and Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) Ltd., the minister emphasized that necessary coordination with the Ministry of Finance is underway. Phiphat mentioned that if the proposal does not meet the Cabinet's regular session on November 12, he will request that it be treated as an urgent matter.

The minister expressed confidence that the tri-partite committee, which comprises 15 members, will be able to convene by the end of November or early December to finalize the wage increase. If any members are absent, a re-scheduled meeting will be called within 15 days, requiring at least two-thirds attendance for decision-making.

Phiphat apologized for the initial delay in implementing the 400-baht wage, initially planned for October 1. He assured that efforts are being made to announce the wage hike as a New Year’s gift for workers across Thailand’s 76 provinces and Bangkok. The increase will also include sector-specific adjustments for occupations that are currently below the 400-baht threshold.