Cambodia Deports 24 Thai Nationals Over Illegal Work, Residency and Unauthorized Entry Into Military Site
Cambodia Deports 24 Thai Nationals Over Illegal Work, Residency and Unauthorized Entry Into Military Site
BANTEAY MEANCHEY, October 21, 2026 — Cambodia has deported 24 Thai nationals through the Poipet International Border Gate after they were detained for alleged illegal employment, unlawful residence and, in some cases, unauthorized entry into a Cambodian military area, Cambodian immigration authorities said.
The group was transferred to Thailand on the morning of October 21 under the direction of Lt Gen Sim Channak, head of Department 1 of the General Department of Immigration, and Brig Gen I Cheamroeun, chief of the Poipet International Border Police Post, in coordination with relevant agencies.
The deportations followed instructions from Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha and Lt Gen Sok Veasna, director-general of the General Department of Immigration.
Deportees Face Three to Four Years of Entry Restrictions
Maj Gen Yeum Man, deputy director of the Department of Investigation and Enforcement, said the 24 Thai nationals had been transported from Siem Reap province, where they were found to have allegedly committed immigration-related offences, including unlawful residence, illegal employment and trespassing into a military training area.
According to the official, the deported individuals have been barred from re-entering Cambodia for periods ranging from three to four years.
Cambodia Also Receives 82 Cambodian Workers From Thailand
Separately, Cambodian authorities received 82 Cambodian migrant workers who were returned from Thailand on the same morning.
Brig Gen I Cheamroeun said officials provided the returning workers with refreshments. After collecting information from them, authorities arranged transportation to a temporary reception centre before helping them continue their journeys home safely.
The simultaneous transfers highlight the ongoing movement of Cambodian and Thai nationals across the shared border as authorities handle immigration violations and the return of migrant workers.
