Cambodia Encourages Workers in Thailand to Return as Local Jobs Increase

Terry Felix On March 13, 2026 - 3:36 am In Economics 1mn Read

PHNOM PENH, March 13, 2026 — Cambodia has not sent any workers to Thailand since the outbreak of border conflict between the two countries, a government spokesperson said on Friday, citing strong domestic demand for labor.

Sun Mesa, spokesman for Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said the government has not adopted any policy to deploy Cambodian workers to Thailand during the ongoing tensions.

“Since the conflict along the border began, Cambodia has not sent workers to Thailand and there is currently no new policy to do so,” he said.

The official added that Cambodia’s economy continues to show stable conditions, with strong demand for workers across several sectors including industry, agriculture, agro-processing, tourism and services.

Factories and enterprises are currently seeking more labor to support production and supply chains, he said, noting that Cambodia has also been receiving skilled workers returning from Thailand.

The ministry has urged Cambodian migrants currently working in Thailand to consider returning home, saying they could benefit from growing job opportunities in the domestic labor market.

Cambodia has also been strengthening its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs and promoting public–private partnerships to develop a more skilled workforce capable of meeting labor market demand and supporting long-term economic development, the spokesman said.