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Thailand faces labour crisis amidst Cambodian border tensions

Officially, around 500,000 Cambodian workers are legally employed in Thailand. However, when factoring in undocumented labourers, the total number is estimated to exceed 1 million to 1.2 million individuals.

Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand is facing a serious threat of a significant labour shortage, as ongoing issues along the Thai-Cambodian border prompt a mass departure of Cambodian migrant workers.

The labour crisis followed a dramatic repatriation of Cambodian workers. During a five-day period of intense conflict in late July 2025, approximately 400,000 Cambodian workers returned to their home country, with a staggering 150,000 departing on the first day alone.

Anusorn Tamajai, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Director of the Digital Economy, Investment and International Trade Research Centre (DEIIT) at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the labour shortages is hampering production and operations, particularly evident in the agricultural sector, construction, and food processing factories, especially in border provinces, where Cambodian workers make up 70-80% of the total workforce.

Officially, around 500,000 Cambodian workers are legally employed in Thailand. However, when factoring in undocumented labourers, the total number is estimated to exceed 1 million to 1.2 million individuals.

These workers not only fulfil significant labour demands across numerous Thai businesses but also represent a critical source of income for Cambodia, sending home an estimated 40 billion to 65 billion THB (2 million USD) annually, accounting for over 6.5% of Cambodia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)./.

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#Cambodian workers #Thailand #labour crisis #Thai-Cambodian border #Thai Chamber of Commerce Thailand
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