The average living cost per day for most workers earning a daily minimum wage of 300 baht is 712 baht, or more than double what they earn, said the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) on Saturday, citing findings from the TLSC's survey conducted last year.
The survey findings were revealed yesterday at a labour event called "Decent Work Day" organised by TOT Academy.
In the average daily living cost of 712 baht, 219 generally goes to the worker's three meals and commuting expenses, while the remaining 492 covers the costs of other family members, said Suwit Kaewwan, president of the TLSC.
According to the International Labour Organisation, the daily living cost of one worker should be able to cover the expenses of at least three other family members.
Family living costs noted in the survey included tap water supply and electricity bills, vehicle purchase instalment payments, children's milk and schooling costs, parental care costs and telephone bills. These expenses altogether amount to 14,771 baht for each family member per month, or 492 baht per day.
In a previous TLSC survey, it was calculated that an appropriate daily minimum wage for the past four to five years would have actually been 360 baht, Mr Suwit added.
Janraem Chajoho, a 37-year-old who has worked in fashion for nine years, said the survey's findings are believable. She is paid every 25 to 26 working days per month. However, living alone as a single woman, she deals with her low salary by skipping meals. Now with a child, she has been forced to incur debts to support her family.
Ms Janraem added she must also earn more to pay 6,400 baht in a monthly mortgage loan payment for her home, which she bought for 800,000 baht. Her extra income comes mainly from working overtime.