A heated diplomatic tussle between Thailand and Cambodia has thrust the spotlight on hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand. Despite the intensified tensions, many of these workers are choosing to stay put. This geopolitical friction came to a head when Hun Sen, the Cambodian Senate President, made a fervent appeal urging his compatriots residing in Thailand to return home. With promises of job opportunities and vocational training, his call to action followed a bold 24-hour ultimatum demanding that Thailand reopen its partially closed border checkpoints, which were shuttered over security concerns. Thailand’s decision to remain unfazed by the demand led Cambodia to retaliate by halting imports of Thai fruits and vegetables via land routes, leaving goods stranded and businesses in a state of uncertainty.
In a rally of solidarity on June 11, hundreds marched through the streets of Phnom Penh, with Prime Minister Hun Manet signaling at a broader initiative to welcome workers back home. Yet for many Cambodians entrenched in their lives in Thailand, the notion of returning is met with skepticism. “I heard the news. I’m not going back. I work here. I earn my living here,” declared Peung Tuen, a 35-year-old construction worker who has called Sa Kaeo home for the past eight years. “My kids study here. My life is here.”
Thailand plays host to approximately 500,000 Cambodian migrant workers, a significant portion of whom—over 400,000—are legally registered. For many, the idea of returning to Cambodia, a country still grappling with widespread poverty, fragile infrastructure, and limited labor rights, seems less than ideal. Indeed, trade between these neighboring nations reached a staggering 250 billion baht in 2024. However, analysts caution that ongoing border disruptions could inflict economic damage to the tune of 10 billion baht per month, a concern highlighted by the Bangkok Post.
Despite an official clarification from Cambodian authorities that repatriation is voluntary, the ensuing political tension has sparked anxiety within migrant communities. “I think the income is better and I trust my job here,” shared Chea Sokchea, a 37-year-old construction worker residing in Bangkok. “Going back could be unstable, especially if everyone returns at the same time.”
Sen, a street food vendor, chimed in: “If the border closes, then I would rather go back… but I’m scared. Someone like me has to take care of others.” Meanwhile, for 41-year-old Mok, a laundry worker, the gamble of returning home is too steep. “What if I don’t make enough to send my son to school?” she pondered aloud. “We came here legally and do not want to be left behind.” Despite the burgeoning fears, Sokchea retains a flicker of hope: “I hope we can stay here as long as we like—and go back when we choose.”
As the political saga unfolds, the fate of these migrant communities hangs in a delicate balance, against the backdrop of broader regional dynamics. Both countries face potential ramifications from a prolonged impasse, yet the resilience and determination of the migrant workers shines through as they navigate an uncertain future while standing firm in their chosen homeland.
I support the Cambodian government’s call for workers to come home. They should prioritize their own country’s development.
But isn’t it better for the workers to stay in Thailand where they have jobs? If they go back, they might not find work.
Exactly! The economic conditions in Cambodia are not favorable yet. Why not let them take advantage of better opportunities in Thailand?
It’s true that there are more jobs in Thailand, but this situation won’t change in Cambodia if all the workers stay abroad. Long-term development needs them back.
Thailand should focus on its own economy first. Why is this even an issue with all the local unemployment?
Because Cambodian workers often do the jobs Thais won’t do! It’s a symbiotic relationship.
That’s fair, but can’t these jobs be improved to attract local workers instead?
Improving those jobs would require investment that Thailand maybe can’t afford right now.
It doesn’t make sense to send workers back to a struggling economy just for political reasons. What’s Cambodia really hoping to achieve here?
The humanitarian side of this is crucial. Migrant workers are people, not pawns in a political game.
Totally agree. These political games disregard workers’ rights and needs.
Both governments should remember that economic impacts are ultimately human impacts.
What about the businesses on both sides? Are they just supposed to wait it out while politicians play games?
Businesses are certainly feeling the pressure, especially those reliant on cross-border trade. They need this resolved ASAP.
Exactly! Economic stability should be the priority here.
Thailand and Cambodia are neighbors and should solve this diplomatically. These workers are too valuable to both economies.
This situation exposes the fragility in ASEAN economic relationships. Trust and cooperation must be maintained.
I really sympathize with the migrant workers. Imagine living with the constant threat of needing to pack up and leave!
Borders are a human-made construct, and people should be free to live and work where they’re needed.
Sure, but national interests complicate things. Borders exist for a reason!
Really hope both countries can come to an agreement soon. This situation is impacting too many lives.
Agreed, it’s a frustrating stalemate right now.
I just don’t understand why this got out of hand. Couldn’t they have anticipated the trade backlash?
Hun Sen’s ultimatum was bold, but sometimes you need that to shake things up, right?
Sure, but bold moves can also backfire. Look at the stuck goods and economic loss.
The focus should be on improving conditions in Cambodia so returning is a viable option.
That’s easier said than done. Economic development takes time and resources.