'Pipat' points out that the minimum wage increase of 400 baht must wait for the results of the Tripartite Committee meeting, confirms that the ministers did not interfere. As for the issue of the people proposing 180 days of maternity leave, the Bhumjaithai Party asks to meet halfway at 120 days. Special joint parliamentary meeting to consider urgent matters. The cabinet announced its policies to the parliament. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, stood up to explain each issue. The first issue was the adjustment of the minimum wage, which must be done in two dimensions: the dimension of workers and the dimension of entrepreneurs. The best balance must be found. If it leans heavily toward one side, it is believed that it will not be successful. Mr. Pipat continued that throughout the past year, the Ministry of Labor has considered and discussed in many dimensions when the announcement of the minimum wage increase to 400 baht can begin. He himself has given interviews many times that we will an nounce the minimum wage increase simultaneously nationwide on October 1st because we have to wait for the tripartite committee to meet on September 17th and 24th. When we receive approval from the tripartite committee, we will be able to announce it on October 1st. As for any sectors of labor that have not yet received the announcement of a minimum wage increase of 400 baht on October 1, it will be considered and announced again on January 1, 2025. As for the right to maternity leave, in the past we provided 90 days, but now we have extended it to 98 days, with employers responsible for 49 days and social security responsible for 49 days. I will present this to this government, but I have learned that the Prachachon Party will also propose 180 days, with the Bhumjaithai Party proposing that it be possible for us to meet halfway at 120 days, which I do not object to, but I would like the House to decide. The Ministry of Labor is ready to comply if the House votes together. As for the case of improving the e fficiency of the Social Security Fund, for the contributions that the current government, which members of parliament have demanded from the government to the Social Security Fund, it is expected that within 7 years, the debt to the Social Security Fund will be completely paid off. Source: Thai News Agency