BANGKOK — Thailand reaffirms support for Cambodian workers, citing higher wages The Thai labour sector has confirmed that employment of Cambodian workers is continuing as usual, especially for the more than 400,000 legally registered migrants.
Labour unions have not received any reports of workers wanting to return to Cambodia. Wages in the Thai construction sector are said to be three times higher than those in Cambodia.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced several times, most recently on Monday 16 June after a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee (JBC), that Cambodia is preparing to recall its citizens currently working in Thailand. He instructed the ministries to prepare for their return as there was tension with Thailand after a brief clash at the border on May 28, 2025.
Thai PM Rejects Worker Expulsion Claims
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reiterated that the Thai government has never intended to expel migrant workers from any country. She emphasised that Thailand adheres to human rights principles and continues to offer protection to workers.
However, if a country takes measures to bring back its workers and provides employment opportunities, it is within the rights and obligations of that country to allow workers to choose freely.
It was reported from the border provinces of Surin, Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi on the morning of June 16 that some Cambodian nationals were seen returning home with bags and important items.
Meanwhile, the transport of goods was interrupted from the Thai side. Lorries were stuck in long queues at the border for three days in a row.
Cambodian Workers Still Employed in Thailand
Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn explained that around 500,000 Cambodian workers are currently employed in Thailand.
The ministry has instructed five provincial labour offices to monitor developments in their respective areas and asked employers hiring Cambodian workers to report any workforce-related problems immediately. So far, Cambodian workers have been able to continue working without interruption.
The 500,000 Cambodian laborers in Thailand can be divided into three groups: Over 400,000 legally registered workers Undocumented workers About 20,000 seasonal workers, who mostly work in the fruit harvest and commute across the border.
Passport Extension for Cambodian Workers
The Thai Employers’ Federation has recently confirmed that many Cambodian workers remain employed in various sectors and there are no official reports of workers intending to return home. If someone wants to leave voluntarily, the Thai government will not prevent them from doing so.
The Labour Minister added that the Ministry of Labour will grant a one-year extension to Cambodian workers whose passports have expired and who cannot return home to renew them. Employers have the assurance that legal Cambodian workers can continue to work even in times of increasing tensions at the border.
In addition, under the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Cambodia, many workers have recently extended their contracts, which are valid until February 2026.
In the event that the situation lasts longer, the Ministry of Labour has drawn up contingency plans. In addition to Cambodia, Thailand also legally employs labour from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, of which Myanmar accounts for the largest share.
Thailand is currently renewing its MoU with Myanmar for another two years, covering more than 2 million workers, with more workers from Myanmar awaiting registration. These workers are already in Thailand and working there. The ministry confirmed that the country has sufficient foreign labour.
Thai Employers Continue to Hire Normally
Dr. Naowarat Songsawatichai, president of the Employers Confederation of Thailand (ECONTHAI), echoed this sentiment, stating that there is currently no indication that Cambodian workers want to return home. She believes that most will stay in Thailand and continue to work with a valid work permit.
Thai employers continue to recruit labour and are monitoring developments in both countries to see if any changes are needed. She added that legally registered Cambodian workers can continue to work normally.
When asked if the sudden return of Cambodian workers would affect Thai businesses, Dr Naowarat explained that Cambodian workers do not make up a large part of the labour force in Thailand, as most migrant workers are from Myanmar.
However, should there be a sudden, unannounced departure, this would indeed cause problems for employers due to a lack of replacement labour. Nevertheless, she expressed confidence that both governments will work together to find a suitable solution.
Thai Wages Three Times Higher Than in Cambodia
Krisda Chancharasangsang, vice president of the Thai Contractors Association Under Royal Patronage, explained that the reports of Cambodians returning probably refer to day labourers in the border area and not those employed in the construction sector.
So far, no major movements have been observed among Cambodian construction workers. If there is a return, it could be undocumented workers. It is assumed that legally registered workers with proper work permits will remain in Thailand unless the situation escalates into armed conflict or an official order to repatriate is issued.
An important reason for this is that wages in Thailand are about three times higher than in Cambodia. Around 200,000 Cambodian nationals, both documented and undocumented, are currently working in the Thai construction sector.
The daily minimum wage for women is around 360 baht (depending on the province). For men, it starts at around 400 baht per day. Skilled labourers such as bricklayers, welders, electricians and painters can earn between 500 and 600 baht per day.
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