The National Wage Committee on Monday resolved not to increase the minimum labour wage this year because the global economic crisis has greatly affected Thailand businesses, labour permanent secretary Somchai Chumrat said.

The committee did agree that provincial wage subcommittees should decide by Sept 30 whether to seek an increase in the minimum wage in their provinces next year and report back by Oct 19.

Reports from the subcommittees would be a basis for the committee to decide on Nov 30 whether there should be a minimum wage increase next year, he said.

Mr Somchai said how much the minimum wage in each province would go up next year depends on proposals and reasons submitted by provincial subcommittees.

A final decision rests with the Labour Ministry and cabinet.