The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) will submit a five-point proposal, including the new minimum wage and energy fees, to the new government for urgent consideration.
The FTI’s move follows a meeting yesterday (Tuesday) between executives of the FTI, led by its chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul, and key members of the Move Forward party, headed by Pita Limjaroenrat.
The other urgent issues the FTI wants the new government to address are a shortage of skilled labour, assistance for small and medium-sized state enterprises, sustainable economic development and amendment of archaic laws and regulations, which are seen as an obstruction to business and industrial development.
During the meeting yesterday, the Move Forward party appeared to have softened its position on increasing the minimum wage to 450 baht/day within the first 100 days of the new government, to allay concerns in the private sector.
Pita and his staff are also scheduled to meet with Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, next week.
Sanan told Thai PBS that, in the short term, he would like the new government to stimulate the economy and implement some of the policies announced in their campaign manifesto, to reduce the cost of living, which includes a reduction in electricity charges and the updating or repeal of archaic laws which hinder business operations.
On the proposed 450-baht minimum wage, Sanan said that the issue should be handled by a tripartite committee, comprising representatives of the labour, business and government sectors.
Sanan offered moral support to the new government, saying that it is being led by a new-generation of politicians, adding that the private sector hopes that the new government can be formed as quickly as possible, to enhance the confidence of investors and the private sector.
