Panel puts pay hike on holdThe tripartite wage committee has unanimously agreed that now is not the right time to consider a minimum wage increase, citing uncertainty over the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East and the need to closely monitor energy prices. Labour permanent secretary Pol Lt Col Wannapong Kotcharak, who chaired the third meeting of the 22nd Wage Committee on Tuesday, said the panel reviewed nationwide reports on economic conditions. A scheduled agenda item to revisit the minimum wage was deferred because members agreed that multiple uncertainties warranted extreme caution. "As a result, the meeting unanimously resolved not to consider a wage increase at this time," Mr Wannapong said. The committee meets next on April 21 to discuss broader wage policy, but an immediate minimum wage review is off the table.

Source: Bangkok Post March 18, 2026 05:35 UTC