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Minimum Wage
In Thailand.

SALARY PAYMENT IN Thai baht (THB, ฿)

CONTRACT LANGUAGES Thai / English

PAYROLL TAX 5.2% – 6%

PAYROLL CYCLE Monthly

TIME TO HIRE 12 hours

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Thailand

What Is the Minimum Wage in Thailand per Hour?

As of 1 January 2024, the Ministry of Labor increased the minimum wage in Thailand by an average of 2.4%. The minimum wage varies by region but ranges from 330 Baht daily to 370 THB, or approximately $10.03 USD per day with the current exchange rate. This works out to be between 9900 Baht and 11100 Baht, or ~$302 USD monthly.

Are There Regional Variations in Thailand's Minimum Wage?

There are regional disparities in minimum wage rates. The lowest mandated minimum wage, 330 Baht per day, is found in the most southern regions and goes up to 370 Baht in more populous areas such as Phuket. 

Here’s a quick table summary illustrating the varying new minimum wage rates for some provinces.

PROVINCE
Previous Minimum Wage (BHT)
New Minimum Wage (BHT)
Phuket
354
370
Bangkok
353
363
Ayutthaya
343
350
Nakhon Nayok
338
348
Buri Ram
335
345
Chiang Rai
332
345
Sing Buri
332
341
Mae Hong Son
332
340
Nan
328
338
Narathiwat
328
330

And here’s an infographic containing all the new minimum wage rates in the 77 provinces of Thailand:

How Has the Minimum Wage in Thailand Changed in the Last 5 Years and Beyond?

Wage increases are determined by a tripartite Wage Committee, which operates under the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998), as amended in B.E. 2551 (2008). The committee considers factors such as the cost-of-living index, inflation, production costs, and regional economic structures. The Ministry of Labour oversees this process, conducting annual surveys to gauge the necessary adjustments per province. 

From 2021 to 2022, the minimum wage in Thailand saw an increase of around 5-8%, depending on the region. This was the first increase in over two years by the Ministry of Labour (MOL). Thailand’s Ministry of Labour increased the minimum wage in 2024, which was announced in December 2023, with the new rates taking effect on January 1, 2024. It was expected to exceed inflation but fall short of the proposed daily 400 baht (US$11.12) to mitigate the impact on SMEs. The country’s minimum wage last saw an adjustment in October 2022, varying from 328 baht to 354 baht across different provinces.

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Bangkok has increased from THB353.00 to THB363.00 per day. For workers in Phuket, a unique adjustment has been made, setting the minimum wage at 370 baht per day due to the province’s higher cost of living and economic reliance on the tourism sector. Pairoj Chotikasathien, permanent secretary for the Labour Ministry, explained that this adjustment aims to ensure that workers in Phuket achieve a standard of living that reflects the economic conditions and is suitable for businesses.

A specific increase to 400 baht daily has been implemented for businesses with at least 50 staff members in certain areas. These include:

  • Bangkok’s Pathumwan and Watthana districts
  • The area under the jurisdiction of tambon Ao Nang administrative organization in Krabi
  • Pattaya City in Chon Buri
  • Chiang Mai’s Nakhon Chiang Mai municipality
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan municipality
  • Phangnga’s Khuk Khak subdistrict municipality
  • Phuket province
  • Rayong’s Ban Phe subdistrict
  • Songkhla’s Hat Yai municipality
  • Surat Thani’s Koh Samui district

This new rate for hotel businesses takes effect from April 13, 2024, following the Wage Committee’s Notification on Minimum Wage Rate for Hotel Business announced on March 27, 2024.

It has been reported that the Pheu Thai party had set an ambitious goal of achieving a 600 baht daily wage by 2027. However, in light of potential adverse effects such as increased business costs and the risk of production relocation, a more cautious approach is being considered.

DateMin. wage, daily rate (THB)
2024363
2023354
2022354
2021336
2020331
2018325
2017305
2016300

How Does the Minimum Wage in Thailand Compare to Surrounding Countries?

The minimum wage in Thailand is within the top 10 highest in the ASEAN region. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have the highest minimum wages in the region.

Is There a Different Minimum Wage for Expats in Thailand?

There is different minimum wages for foreigners coming to live and work in Thailand. This differs based on nationality. The differences in minimum wage are as follows:

  • From Western European Countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the USA, the minimum wage is 50,000 Baht per month;
  • From South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the minimum wage is 45,000 Baht per month;
  • From Eastern European Countries, Asian Countries, South American Countries, Central American Countries, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, and South Africa, the minimum wage is 35,000 Baht per month;
  • From African Countries, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, the minimum wage is 25,000 Baht per month

As you can see from the above, in some cases, some foreigners are entitled to five times the minimum wage of local Thai workers. This requirement is not set by the Wages Committee under labor protection laws but is a consequence of business/working visa requirements (Non-Immigrant Visa Category B: Non-B) under immigration law.

These higher salary requirements are essential for securing work permits and visas for expatriates, ensuring they meet immigration law standards.

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FAQs

There is a significant difference between the reported median salary and minimum wage in Thailand. The median monthly salary is around 100,000 Baht per month or 2900 USD.

It may be possible to hire local and foreign skilled workers for less than the reported minimum wage requirements. Unfortunately, some companies ignore these minimum wage guidelines and offer less in full time contracts. 

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