In 2024, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) offers wages that are sufficient for living. The university has reviewed and continues to comply with the announcement regarding wage rates for employees in higher education as established in 2022.
The starting salary for permanent staff is set as follows: lecturers at 28,000 baht per month and supportive staff at 21,000 baht per month. Both rates are above the minimum local living wage established by the government.
Additionally, the university considers wage increases for employees in higher education according to the Announcement of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna on the Criteria for Wage Increases for Employees in Higher Education (2019). The principles outlined in Section 6 are as follows:
6.1 Quality Principle: To attract quality employees, compensation or other remuneration must be at a sufficiently high level to entice capable individuals to serve in the university and must be appropriate to the status of society and the economy.
6.2 Equity Principle: Consideration must be given to equity both within and outside the university.
6.3 Capability Principle: Wages or other remuneration must be commensurate with the abilities and responsibilities of employees. Those with higher capabilities must receive appropriate and fair compensation.
6.4 Suitability Principle: Consideration must be given to budgetary needs and the status of the university.
6.5 Incentive Principle: This should act as a motivator for employees to perform their duties, with a focus on performance and behavior evaluation.
Furthermore, in Section 8 on wages and benefits, Clause 30, paragraph 2 states that employees in higher education institutions may receive temporary cost-of-living allowances based on economic conditions, following the criteria and methods set by the committee.
Building upon this principle, on December 3, 2025, RMUTL endorsed in principle a proposal to adjust wage rates for temporary employees and to provide a temporary cost-of-living allowance, in accordance with the resolution of the Committee on Civil Service in Higher Education Institutions.
The President of RMUTL assigned the Human Resources Department to carry out the necessary steps for implementation. The proposal is intended to ensure that all temporary staff receive fair and adequate compensation at or above the local living wage, thereby promoting job stability, motivation, and overall well-being among RMUTL personnel.
Under the proposed wage adjustment, temporary employee salaries would be revised as follows:
| Education Level | Previous Rate (THB) | Revised Rate (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 21,000 | 25,410 |
| Master’s Degree | 17,500 | 21,180 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (5-year program) | 15,800 | 19,120 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (4-year program) | 15,000 | 18,150 |
| Higher Vocational Certificate (ปวส.) | 11,500 | 13,920 |
| Vocational Certificate (ปวท.) | 10,840 | 13,130 |
| Vocational Certificate (ปวช.) | 9,400 | 11,380 |
| High School or below | 8,690 | 8,690 |
Additionally, temporary employees currently earning less than 10,000 THB per month will receive a temporary cost-of-living supplement, ensuring a minimum monthly income of 11,000 THB.
The salaries provided by RMUTL for both permanent and temporary staff are higher than the minimum local living wage established by the government. According to the Notification of the Wage Committee on Minimum Wage Rate (No.12), the minimum local living wage for Chiang Mai Province in 2024 is specified as 350 baht per day, equivalent to approximately 9,100 baht per month (calculated for 26 working days per month).
This initiative represents RMUTL’s continuing commitment to promoting decent work, fair pay, and sustainable economic growth, in line with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The proposal will next be submitted sequentially for consideration to the CEO Committee, the University Executive Board, and the University Council for final approval.