Job Discussion Forums

Ajarn Miguk · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 227 Location: TDY As Assigned

I've heard expat salaries, including teacher salaries, will be significantly increased in Thailand starting July 10 due to some new law or whatever. Supposedly it is based on nationality? Is this for real? Urban legend?

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 1:46 am Post subject:

Urban legend.

The rumors come from the fact that certain laws (or regulations) were passed that stated that certain nationalities would/should have certain minimum monthly wages. These required (suggested?) minimums are sometimes even double what some people are currently making. Not considered was the problem whether schools could afford to significantly increase the wages of their teachers or not.

Some people say teachers are excluded from the new rules. Some (Phuket immigration) say persons earning below the limit can still have a work permit, but won't get one year extensions on their visas (thus requiring visa runs). Most people suspect: nothing will change.

I'm on the ground here - I'll let you know if my wife gets a 50% increase in her wages tomorrow. I ain't betting on it.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

It shouldn't apply to most teachers. As Ted says what could/would happen if they enforced it to teachers are one of three things:

1. Get a WP but still do runs every 3 months (Visa not extended for one year).

2. Pay the tax on 50-60K even though you might not be earning it.

3. Pay it!

I'm betting 1 or 2 IF it applies to teachers, although some schools have already been informed it WON'T apply to them (government, certified schools etc.).