The Thai government has announced new minimum wage rates for 2025, bringing an increase of THB 7 to THB 55 per day depending on the province. This adjustment aims to enhance workers' economic stability and maintain a fair standard of living amid rising living costs.
New Minimum Wage Structure
As of January 1, 2025, the daily minimum wage across Thailand now ranges from THB 337 to THB 400, with variations based on geographic and economic factors.
Updated Minimum Wage Rates (2025)
Minimum Wage (THB/Day) | Provinces/Districts |
400 | Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Phuket, Rayong, Ko Samui (Surat Thani) |
380 | Mueang Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai), Hat Yai (Songkhla) |
372 | Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon |
359 | Nakhon Ratchasima |
358 | Samut Songkhram |
357 | Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai (excluding Mueang Chiang Mai), Prachin Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi |
356 | Lopburi |
355 | Nakhon Nayok, Suphan Buri, Nong Khai |
354 | Krabi, Trat |
352 | Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Chiang Rai, Tak, Nakhon Phanom, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phang Nga, Phitsanulok, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Songkhla (excluding Hat Yai), Sa Kaeo, Surat Thani (excluding Ko Samui), Ubon Ratchathani |
351 | Chumphon, Phetchaburi, Surin |
350 | Nakhon Sawan, Yasothon, Lamphun |
349 | Kalasin, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Bueng Kan, Phetchabun, Roi Et |
348 | Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Phatthalung, Sing Buri, Ang Thong |
347 | Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Maha Sarakham, Mae Hong Son, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Lampang, Loei, Si Sa Ket, Satun, Sukhothai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen, Udon Thani, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani |
345 | Trang, Nan, Phayao, Phrae |
337 | Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala |
Additionally, a THB 400 minimum wage applies to employees working in 4-star and above hotels in Bangkok’s Pathumwan and Watthana districts, provided they have at least 50 employees serving the tourism sector.
Why the Increase?
The government has justified these adjustments as necessary to:
- Support cost-of-living increases: Inflation and higher living expenses have led to demands for higher wages, especially in tourist-heavy regions.
- Promote regional economic stability: Wealthier provinces with stronger industries, such as Phuket and Chonburi, now offer more competitive wages.
- Address labor shortages: Higher wages can help attract and retain workers in key sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, and construction.
What’s Next?
While the new wages have already taken effect, discussions continue regarding potential future increases. Analysts predict that further adjustments could be made later in 2025 based on economic conditions and industry feedback.
Final Thoughts
Thailand’s new wage structure reflects both economic realities and the government’s commitment to supporting workers. However, businesses will need to adapt, especially in sectors that heavily rely on labor-intensive work. Whether this increase will be enough to keep up with inflation remains to be seen, but for now, it represents a positive step toward improved living standards for workers across the country.