More people lose jobs due to flood crisis

So far, 284 factories employing some 162,552 workers are still closed. However, 120 establishments have paid out Bt2.255 billion in severance pay, he said, adding that another 5,124 workers have been laid off this week. The largest number of layoffs has been recorded in Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Chacheongsao. 

Arthit said the number of laidoff workers should not exceed 100,000. By the end of March, the overall figure should be clearer because businesses have to come up with new budgets to support the 40percent wage hike that would go into effect nationwide from April 1. This means the daily minimum wage would be Bt300 in seven provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon and Pathum Thani. 

Arthit said Sony Device Technology (Thailand) in Pathum Thani’s Bang Kradi Industrial Estate was planning to temporarily move its 2,749 workers to Bangkok’s Bang NaTrat area, while its unit in Ayutthaya’s Ban Wa Industrial Estate has given its 3,823 workers the chance to decide if they will move to Chon Buri. So far, 2,123 have agreed to move, while 1,267 resigned and the rest remain undecided.