A total of 2,193 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are expected to be affected by the increase in the daily minimum wage to 300 baht, according to Labour Minister Padermchai Sasomsap.
The figure was based on a preliminary assessment made by officials about how businesses are preparing for the wage hike, which will take effect on Jan 1 in 70 provinces.
The minimum wage was already increased to 300 baht in April in the seven most highly developed provinces including Bangkok and Phuket.
Mr Padermchai on Saturday chaired a workshop for labour office chiefs from all 77 provinces in preparation for the change in the minimum wage next month. Officials hope to minimise the negative impact on SMEs, he said.
Mr Padermchai estimated that nearly 50,000 employees working at the 2,193 manufacturers identified would be affected by the wage increase.
The top five industries to be affected are auto parts, general production, wholesale and retail sales, construction and food, he added.
He said problems identified and suggestions raised during the workshop woluld be taken into account in adjusting the 27 existing assistance measures to minimise impact of the wage increase, to ensure they are in line with manufactures' needs.
A final conclusion on additional assistance measures will be proposed to a meeting of a committee for minimising the impact of the wage rise, chaired by Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, scheduled for Friday.