Only 346,365 government officers entitled to the gift
A number of 346,365 civil servants and government employees are now earning less than Bt15,000 a month and are entitled to enjoy the government's Bt15,000 minimum pay policy, according to the Comptroller General's Office.
According to the office's papers submitted to Deputy Finance Minister Viroon Tejapaibul, the policy will cover five groups: civil servants, contract employees, desk soldiers, state agencies' permanent and temporary employees. A total number of persons in these groups reach 649,323 but slightly over half of them, 346,365, hold bachelor degrees or higher. These individuals will enjoy an increase in monthly allowance, which would raise their monthly pay to Bt15,000.
Viroon said that for the payment of higher allowances, the Finance Ministry's regulations are to be amended. He will soon forward the terms and conditions to the Cabinet.
Those holding degrees below the bachelor level will also enjoy higher allowances, though the minimum pay would not be as high as Bt15,000. Those whose monthly pay is below Bt9,000 would also see their pay raised to Bt9,000.
It is estimated that annually, this policy will require expenditure of Bt24.5 billion.
"The adjustment is in line with the government's policy to offer a more appropriate pay to government officers, to match the higher cost of living and boost the economy. The new pay structure should be in effect in January 2012, as a New Year gift to all," Viroon said.
