Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand are largely choosing to remain in the country, despite recent calls from Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen urging their return home amid rising border tensions. Thai Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed on June 16, 2025, that the Thai government has no plans to expel Cambodian workers and emphasized that those wishing to stay legally will receive assistance.
As of now, around 500,000 Cambodians are employed as manual labourers across Thailand. However, only about 400,000 have the necessary documentation. Of the estimated 100,000 undocumented workers, approximately 20,000 are seasonal laborers, primarily involved in fruit harvesting.
Minister Phiphat stated that the Department of Employment will assist those whose passports have expired in obtaining extensions for up to one year. He also reassured Thai businesses that current labour supply remains stable, even in the event of a complete border closure by Cambodia. According to the minister, most seasonal workers involved in sugarcane harvesting have already returned home as the harvest season concluded earlier this year, and the next one is not expected to begin until the end of 2025.
The Labour Ministry has no plans to increase recruitment from other neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Laos, or Vietnam to compensate for a potential outflow of Cambodian workers. Phiphat noted that approximately 1.8 million workers from Myanmar are currently awaiting work permit renewals under a bilateral agreement, with an additional one million undergoing identification verification.
Towards the end of his statement, Phiphat raised questions about Cambodia’s ability to reintegrate returning workers, expressing concern over the country’s capacity to provide sufficient employment opportunities should large numbers return from Thailand.
