🗓️ Friday, December 6th, 2026
📍 Chonburi, Thailand

🌟 Daikin’s Gold Bonus Drama: A Shiny Problem Turns Into a Showdown

Daikin Thailand, a leading manufacturer of air conditioners and climate control solutions, is in the middle of a very glittery labor dispute and yes, it’s all because of gold. With gold prices skyrocketing, what used to be a simple employee perk has turned into a high-stakes standoff.

🥇 What Sparked the Conflict?

Years ago, Daikin promised long-serving employees (10+ years) a bonus of 3 Baht of gold (45.732 grams of 96.5% gold). Fast forward to 2025, and gold prices have blasted upward. Daikin tried to replace the gold bonus with a 40,000 Baht cash offer, but the labor union rejected it, pointing out that 3 Baht of gold is now worth nearly 200,000 Baht. After negotiations failed, employees announced a legal work stoppage starting December 6, 2025.

💰 Why Gold Became Such a Big Deal

Gold prices have surged sharply, especially from 2021 to 2025. A major driver is the global gold “supercycle,” fueled not only by financial uncertainty but also by massive central bank buying. With China standing out as one of the biggest purchasers in 2025. China’s strategy centers on reducing reliance on the US dollar, strengthening the yuan through larger gold reserves, and preparing for more gold-linked trade and reserve systems. These global forces have pushed domestic gold prices even higher, turning Daikin’s old bonus promise into a far more expensive obligation than originally intended.

📊 The Math: How Much Is 3 Baht of Gold Worth Now?

In December 2025, the average gold price hit 63,550 Baht per Baht of gold, making 3 Baht of gold worth about 190,650 Baht. At the year’s highest price of 67,400 Baht, that same bonus would be worth about 202,200 Baht. Compared to Daikin’s 40,000 Baht cash offer, the gap is massive and a key reason talks collapsed.

⚖️ Current Situation

Daikin has declared the work stoppage a legal action under the Labor Relations Act of 1975. Employees are not being dismissed, but they will not receive wages during the stoppage. The Minister of Labor has ordered officials to mediate a 12th round of negotiations in provincial labour office in Chonburi on December 8, 2025, in hopes of finding a fair solution for all parties.

🧭 What’s Next?

This dispute shows how shifting economic realities can turn old contractual promises into costly challenges. With gold prices soaring, Daikin faces a high-stakes dilemma while employees push for the value they were originally promised. All eyes are now on the upcoming negotiations and it really makes you wonder how could such a major company make such a costly miscalculation? 💰🥇🤯