Phnom Penh: More than 650,000 former Khmer workers who have returned from Thailand out of over 800,000 people have received job opportunities, with more than 330,000 currently working within the system and approximately 320,000 receiving job opportunities outside the system.
This statement was made by Mr. Sun Mesa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, during a visit to check on former Khmer workers who have received job opportunities at a garment factory located in Kampong Speu province on March 23, 2026.
Mr. Sun Mesa stated: “Up to now, about 950,000 citizens and former Khmer workers have returned from Thailand due to the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in 2025.”
He continued: “Among these over 950,000 people, there are about 800,000 former workers, of whom more than 650,000 have received job opportunities, with over 330,000 currently working within the system and approximately 320,000 receiving job opportunities outside the system.”
Following the massive return of Khmer workers from Thailand, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has implemented many important measures to ensure the provision of job opportunities to former Khmer workers. Among these key measures, the Ministry has organized more than 600 job fairs and over 1,000 mobile job fairs at the grassroots level to promote job opportunities, the benefits of social security schemes, and technical and vocational training. This was confirmed by Mr. Sun Mesa.
Additionally, the spokesperson said that job fairs have been extensively organized in key provinces with the highest numbers of former workers, such as Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and several other provinces, to promote job opportunities through the involvement of companies, factories, and enterprises that require labor forces.
Mr. Som Suon, President of the Cambodian National Labor Union, expressed support for the government’s timely resolution of the issue of Khmer workers returning from Thailand. The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training’s measures have been highly effective in providing job opportunities for workers to regain their income.
He added that Khmer workers returning from Thailand have received many job opportunities in the garment and textile sector. They are highly determined to work diligently and perform well, no different from other workers.
Union leaders confirmed: “Many of our brothers and sisters who have just returned from Thailand have secured jobs in the garment and textile sector. Although they previously lacked specific skills related to this sector, they have worked hard and performed well, no different from our other workers. They have done a good job.”
