Thailand’s daily wage hike will not necessarily put more food on the table

13 Sept 07:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's 5% minimum daily wage hike, effective October 1, is insufficient as it trails the 7% inflation rate, leaving low-income workers struggling to meet rising living costs.
The consistent lag of wage increases behind inflation over the past decade exacerbates significant societal inequalities, with the poorest spending nearly half their income on food and household debt projected to reach a 16-year high.
Experts suggest that a higher minimum wage alone is not a sustainable solution; instead, comprehensive reforms are needed, including skill development, economic structural improvements, curbing monopolies, promoting transparency, and empowering labor unions.
Vulnerable groups like migrant workers, despite legal entitlement, often fear demanding the wage increase from employers, forcing them to rely on extreme frugality to manage expenses.

Lamphun in a New Light

Today 15:02 Key points summarised by AI

Lamphun illuminates its ancient city with two concurrent light festivals: the high-tech VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN and the traditional Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival.
VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN transforms historic landmarks into an outdoor gallery, using projections and multimedia to animate Lamphun's history, including Queen Chamadevi's story.
The Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival, part of Yi Peng, fills temples and streets with countless traditional lanterns, symbolizing Buddhist devotion and personal wishes.
These festivals offer a unique after-dark experience, blending contemporary light art with centuries-old Lanna traditions, connecting visitors to Lamphun's past and faith.