Phnom Penh: The Cambodia Development Research Institute (CDRI) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) published their research reports in February 2026 stating that more than 600,000 Cambodian workers returning from Thailand have jobs through large-scale job matching involving job platforms, mobile job fairs, and the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
The CDRI and ERIA institutes stated: “More than 600,000 former Cambodian workers who returned from Thailand have obtained job opportunities through large-scale job matching, working in various companies, factories, and enterprises. They secured jobs through job platforms, mobile job fairs, and the expanded TVET programs.”
The two institutes further noted that these efforts demonstrate remarkable progress in labor market integration and reflect the resilience of national institutions in responding to unprecedented labor shocks.
Regarding the publication of these research reports, Mr. Sun Mesa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, said that the findings of these two institutes are roughly consistent with the ministry’s reports and can be accepted.
According to the Ministry of Labor’s report, currently, 650,000 former workers have jobs, with over 330,000 employed in enterprises, companies, factories, and large farms, also receiving social security benefits. Meanwhile, more than 320,000 others work at construction sites, handicrafts, restaurants, farms, and local retail outlets, according to Mr. Sun Mesa.
He clarified: “I have seen the reports from these two institutes, which are roughly consistent with the ministry’s figures, and we can accept them as they align with what the Royal Government, the Ministry of Labor, and Vocational Training have done so far.”
According to Mr. Sun Mesa, the CDRI and ERIA reports are acceptable and represent experiences that can be collectively assessed regarding former workers returning from Thailand. Meanwhile, he sees that the Sontal report lacks accuracy due to technical issues in the survey, which prevents it from reflecting or drawing overall conclusions about former Cambodian workers returning from Thailand.
