For example, we tell everybody who wanted to know that we would pay 100 baht per hour for any work done in our apartment. There was on one occasion almost a fight among volunteers. While this is really small money, it is a lot for an individual Thai worker.
However, if you decide on hiring a home decoration service, expect to pay through your nose, if they see a 'farang' coming. But for some work it may obviously be necessary.
As for maid service, a while back, we paid 150 baht per visit of our maid (usually for one or two hours work, including ironing). We strongly advise against paying per month. On repeated occasions, we noted that maids will not show up often (feeling sick, having to visit relatives etc.) If you pay them per visit, they are bound to come more reliably.
Political comment : Thailand is really lacking a political party that concentrates on labor conditions and the plight of the uneducated.