BANGKOK — Thailand has postponed the renewal of work permits for Cambodian laborers following renewed border tensions with Cambodia after a Thai soldier was injured by what officials said was a newly planted landmine along the frontier.
The incident has prompted Bangkok to suspend implementation of a recently signed Thailand–Cambodia peace declaration, escalating diplomatic and security concerns.
Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong said after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting that while Thailand will continue allowing migrant workers from Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar to renew their registrations, the process for Cambodian workers has been temporarily put on hold.
She said the ministry is conducting a detailed count of Cambodian nationals currently working in Thailand — both legally and illegally — to coordinate future policy with security agencies. Earlier records from August showed roughly 100,000 Cambodians in the workforce, but officials suspect the current number may differ significantly.
“Given the fragile situation, Cambodian workers will be reviewed separately,” Treenuch said. “We must first obtain accurate numbers before deciding on appropriate measures. For now, those with valid work permits can continue working as usual. There are no expulsion orders.”
The labor minister added that Thailand is expediting the registration of workers from Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar to fill potential labor shortages, especially in industries where Cambodian workers are concentrated. The ministry is also exploring labor import agreements (MOUs) with countries such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to mitigate disruptions.
Labor Permanent Secretary Wannapong Kotcharak said all provincial offices have been ordered to verify the actual number of Cambodian workers still in Thailand, as many may have already returned home.
The labor ministry’s move follows a National Security Council (NSC) directive to suspend implementation of the Kuala Lumpur peace statement with Cambodia “indefinitely” until bilateral tensions ease.
The Defense Ministry was instructed to strengthen border defenses and continue mine clearance operations through the national demining unit, while the Foreign Ministry was told to lodge diplomatic protests and communicate Thailand’s position to the international community, particularly to observer nations.
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