Tensions with Thailand: Hun Sen Encourages Khmer Workers' Return
Khmer workers in Thailand are implored by Hun Sen to return to their homeland, as he foresees a protracted border disagreement.
In an unexpected move, Cambodia's Senate President, Hun Sen, has urged Khmer workers based in Thailand to return to their motherland, regardless of their legal status. Quoting a Facebook post this afternoon, June 14, he warned, "The Thai authorities might soon deport you, causing immense humiliation."
Citing the prolonged Cambodia-Thailand border dispute and the anticipated complaint filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Sen stated that extremist Thai elements and certain military factions may harm Khmer citizens living in Thailand.
While some Khmers have expressed their desire to reunite with aging parents in Cambodia, they've faced the obstacle of missing documentation. However, Sen assures that the Royal Government will welcome any Khmer citizen, documentation or not, without discrimination.
Prime Minister Hun Manet had earlier outlined measures for Khmer workers' return, and Sen's statement shows his continued support for these efforts.
Amid the escalating tensions, it's worth noting that:
- Most Khmer workers have chosen to remain in Thailand, opting for higher wages and better job prospects compared to their home country. Thailand provides employment for over 400,000 legally registered migrant laborers[1][4].
- The Thai Government has emphasized its commitment to protecting migrant workers, including the Khmer community, and recognized their right to choose whether to stay or return.
- The economic impact of Khmer workers returning to Cambodia, including potential loss of remittances, has raised concerns among Thai business leaders.
- The number of Khmer nationals returning seems more apparent among border residents who can commute easily, while full-time migrant workers prefer to stay put in Thailand.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.
Niem Chheng
The Phnom Penh Post
Asia News Network
- TAGS
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- workers
- Hun Sen
- Khmer
Additional Insights:
- As tensions between the two nations continue, Cambodian hackers have recently launched DDoS attacks on Thai websites[2].
- Thai authorities have arrested 13 foreigners for allegedly running a scam targeting Australians[3].
- Thailand's pharmaceutical industry faces challenges with increasing reliance on imports and rising costs[6].
- Thailand's competitiveness ranking has dropped 5 places in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking[7].
- Thailand will host the Formula One from 2028-2033 with an estimated budget of THB 41bn[8].
[1] Reference: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/505957021/govt-prepares-to-welcome-khmer-workers-returning-from-thailand/
[2] Reference: https://www.thairath.co.th/politics/news_941821
[3] Reference: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/13-foreigners-suspected-of-operating-scam-centre-arrested-in-thailand
[4] Reference: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30413112
[5] Reference: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/amid-border-tensions-many-cambodian-migrant-workers-choose-stay-thailand-2021-06-16/
[6] Reference: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/2038938/pharmaceutical-industry-hit-by-import-reliance-and-rising-costs
[7] Reference: https://www.imd.org/wcq/rankings/world-competitiveness-rankings/
[8] Reference: https://www.bangkokpost.com/sport/auto/2242842/thailand-to-host-formula-one-from-2028-to-2033
- The impending return of Khmer workers to Cambodia, while a concern for Thai business leaders due to potential loss of remittances, is also a response to tensions between the two countries and the promise of support from Prime Minister Hun Sen.
- The Thai Government's commitment to protecting migrant workers, including the Khmer community, is clear, as they recognize the workers' right to choose whether to stay or return.
- The international political climate, with ongoing disputes and potential military involvement, may impact the economy, not just in the domestic sectors, but also in international industries such as Formula One racing.
