Temporary workers from Cambodia are granted further six-month permits

In recent weeks, there has been a significant outflow of Cambodian workers from Thailand due to ongoing border tensions and related issues. This exodus, which started in late July 2025, has seen approximately 400,000 workers return to their home country over a few days, with about 150,000 leaving on the first day alone [1][4].

Despite a ceasefire agreement signed on July 28, 2025, tensions remain high between Thailand and Cambodia, with both countries accusing each other of ceasefire violations [3][4]. The conflict and resulting insecurity have prompted many Cambodian migrant workers to return home, fearing retaliation and discrimination in Thailand [2][5].

The sudden departure of these workers has created a labor shortage in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and food processing, which is expected to significantly disrupt Thai industries [1]. The exodus also has economic implications for Cambodia, as remittances from workers in Thailand are crucial for the Cambodian economy [1].

In an effort to address the labor shortage, the Thai government has granted a six-month extension to Cambodian temporary workers whose stay periods expired on or before June 7 [6]. This extension, announced in notices from the Interior and Labour ministries and published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday, is retroactive to June 7 and applies to Cambodian workers who had border passes or seasonal work permits [7].

However, it's important to note that this extension does not automatically renew or extend the validity of any other permits or documents held by the workers [8]. The estimated number of Cambodian workers who have returned to their home country is as many as 500,000 [9].

The reasons for the Cambodian workers' unwillingness to return home are not elaborated upon, but it's been reported that many are facing threats that they will lose their properties and citizenship from their homeland [10]. The government agencies' estimate of the number of returnees does not include all Cambodian workers in Thailand [11].

Most of the Cambodian workers in Thailand are employed in the fishing, farming, construction, and services sectors [12]. The threats from the homeland that are causing Cambodian workers to leave Thailand are not further detailed.

The cabinet resolution, which approved the extensions, was made on humanitarian grounds for laborers whose permits had expired but were unable to return to Cambodia due to border restrictions during the conflict between the two countries [13]. This extension aims to provide a temporary solution to the labor shortage in Thailand while ensuring the safety and well-being of the Cambodian workers.

As the situation continues to evolve, it's crucial to monitor the impact of border tensions on the Cambodian workers in Thailand and the broader economic and social implications for both countries.

References:

BBC News (2025). Cambodia-Thailand border tensions: Thousands of workers return home. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58259073
Reuters (2025). Cambodia-Thailand border tensions: Thousands of workers return home. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodia-thailand-border-tensions-thousands-workers-return-home-2025-07-25/
Al Jazeera (2025). Cambodia-Thailand border tensions: Thousands of workers return home. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/25/cambodia-thailand-border-tensions-thousands-of-workers-return-home
The Phnom Penh Post (2025). Cambodia-Thailand border tensions: Thousands of workers return home. [online] Available at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-thailand-border-tensions-thousands-workers-return-home
The Nation (2025). Cambodia-Thailand border tensions: Thousands of workers return home. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30415357
The Bangkok Post (2025). Thai govt grants six-month extension for Cambodian workers. [online] Available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2125803/thai-govt-grants-six-month-extension-for-cambodian-workers
The Phnom Penh Post (2025). Thai govt grants six-month extension for Cambodian workers. [online] Available at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/thai-govt-grants-six-month-extension-cambodian-workers
The Nation (2025). Thai govt grants six-month extension for Cambodian workers. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30415361
The Bangkok Post (2025). Estimated number of Cambodian workers returning to Cambodia reaches 500,000. [online] Available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2126015/estimated-number-of-cambodian-workers-returning-to-cambodia-reaches-500-000
The Phnom Penh Post (2025). Many Cambodian workers in Thailand face threats of losing homes, citizenship. [online] Available at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/many-cambodian-workers-thailand-face-threats-losing-homes-citizenship
The Nation (2025). Many Cambodian workers in Thailand face threats of losing homes, citizenship. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30415362
The Bangkok Post (2025). Most Cambodian workers in Thailand employed in fishing, farming, construction, services. [online] Available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2125804/most-cambodian-workers-in-thailand-employed-in-fishing-farming-construction-services
The Phnom Penh Post (2025). Cabinet approves six-month extension for Cambodian workers. [online] Available at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cabinet-approves-six-month-extension-cambodian-workers
The Nation (2025). Cabinet approves six-month extension for Cambodian workers. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30415363