Preah Vihear: On the morning of May 15, 2026, a forum on employment, social security and vocational training under the theme “Khmer people help find jobs and provide jobs for Khmer people” was organized at the Kulen District School, Preah Vihear Province, with the aim of providing “special opportunities” to citizens, especially former workers returning from Thailand and local youth, to obtain decent jobs, vocational training and free accommodation, as well as opportunities to work abroad safely and with high incomes. The ceremony was attended by nearly 700 stakeholders, citizens, and young people.
Mr. Yim Sinon, Secretary of State, High Representative of Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, highlighted that at the job forum in Kulen District, representatives of three large factories and enterprises came to directly recruit personnel for a total of more than 5,000 labor positions, out of a total of more than 90,000 job opportunities nationwide.
At the same time, he raised a striking comparison between local work and work in Thailand, explaining that going to work in Thailand can face high risks in terms of safety, labor exploitation, discrimination, violence, living away from family, and lack of health care both now and in the future. In particular, for domestic work, in addition to being a strong foundation for the family economy and a warm life together, workers will receive a social security system (SSS) that provides many benefits from the day they start working, including: protection against occupational risks, free health care services, and a pension (retirement) like civil servants, which helps ease the burden on families and ensure a decent life in old age. He highlighted that having a SSS card will encourage people to go for regular health check-ups, which is a factor that helps improve health and prevent serious diseases in a timely manner.
In addition, the Secretary of State also encouraged former workers returning from Thailand to try to seize the local job opportunities that are being offered to have an income to support their families temporarily, or they can decide to apply to work in other countries with higher salaries and greater security, such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, or Israel. He reminded that this point is very important, especially for those in Preah Vihear province, which has suffered severe damage from the Thai invasion in the past.
In the case of young people or former workers who do not want to work in factories or go abroad, he recommended that they choose technical and vocational training (TVET) for 1.5 million people, which is a free study program and receives a monthly stipend. These skills include: construction, repairing machinery, electrical equipment, air conditioning, baking and coffee making, etc., to create their own businesses. He emphasized that “having real skills is a strong foundation for increasing income and improving the family economy.”
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State urged citizens to record and remember the Ministry of Labor’s Hotline 1297 for use in registering for a job or asking for other information.
