(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen called on Cambodian citizens working in Thailand to return to their homeland, affirming that the Royal Government is fully prepared to welcome returning workers and citizens, with job opportunities and access to technical and vocational training.
Samdech Techo spoke on Monday (Jun. 16) in a special message.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed appreciation to the Association of Banks in Cambodia and the Cambodia Microfinance Association for issuing a joint statement supporting the Royal Government’s efforts to ease the financial burdens of returning migrant workers.
The Senate president clarified that this support does not equate to debt cancellation, but rather to easing conditions such as interest payments or other suitable terms. He further appealed to both associations to continue assisting Cambodians returning from Thailand.
“We cannot stay there (in Thailand) for life. With the unresolved border issue, discrimination and mistreatment will persist. Our citizens should leave before they are expelled or subjected to abuse and prejudice,” Samdech Techo underscored.
Samdech said that Cambodia has significantly changed. We used to lack job opportunities, but today, Cambodia has plenty of employment options. Therefore, Samdech urge all Cambodians currently residing and working in Thailand to return home.
Samdech also instructed Cambodian embassies and consulates in Thailand, particularly those dealing with labour affairs to expedite and facilitate documentation for returning citizens. Likewise, he called on all provincial authorities along the Thai-Cambodian border to work swiftly and efficiently in assisting the returnees.
“We cannot rely on others forever. Now is the most appropriate time for our citizens to make the decision to return to their homeland,” Samdech Techo continued.
He acknowledged that the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute is unlikely to be resolved soon, and that during times of tension, Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand often face increased discrimination and hostility.
On the same morning, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued instructions via a social media voice message to Cambodian Foreign Prak Sokhonn to coordinate with Cambodian consulates in Thailand to help issue the necessary documents for migrant workers returning home.
Amid the border tensions, Thai nationalist groups have reportedly threatened and discriminated against Cambodian workers, prompting increased calls for their return.
Both Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed their commitment to welcoming Cambodian workers who wish to return.
In previous years, the Thai government had taken similar actions to expel Cambodian workers, only to later permit their return upon recognising the adverse consequences.
It should be noted that on 16 June 2025, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training reaffirmed its readiness to receive returning Cambodian citizens and workers, offering employment opportunities and access to technical and vocational training nationwide.
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