Bt425 minimum wage included in new govt policy

He said that preparing the first draft took a lot of time because policies from different perspectives had to be integrated into one core guideline, which also has to be accommodated by the budget. 

A political source said that the government's annoucement to the Parliament has reportedly been scheduled on Jul 24-25. All coaltion parties have been informed to get ministers under their quota to get ready for possible questioning by the opposition.

The new policies include a proposed increase in minimum daily wage to Bt425 and the much-debated medical marijuana initiative, he said, adding that existing policies such as government welfare cards will remain unchanged. 

Sontirat went on to say that the resignation of MPs who have been given Cabinet portfolios was also discussed, though no decision has been made on what will be done if nobody volunteers to give up either the MP seat or Cabinet job as required by the new Constitution. 

He said the appointment of political appointees apart from Cabinet members will only be discussed once the Cabinet is royally endorsed.

Sontirat added that members of the Phalang Pracharat Party have reconciled over their differences and those seeking his resignation have now backed off.