PHNOM PENH, June 14, 2025
Cambodia Prepares for Returning Workers from Thailand
Amidst rising tensions, Cambodia’s Prime Minister announced plans to assist Cambodian workers returning from Thailand, while also addressing border disputes.
- Cambodia is prepared to assist Cambodian workers returning from Thailand.
- The government will offer support, including transportation and job placement.
- Prime Minister Hun Matner threatened to sue the International Court of Justice over border disputes if Thailand doesn’t cooperate.
In a Facebook post on June 14, 2025, Hun Matner, Prime Minister of Cambodia, addressed the situation of returning Cambodian workers from Thailand. The announcement came after the Thai-Cambodian Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting on June 6, where discussions touched on the potential return of Cambodian workers.
The government is ready to coordinate and solve the situation. This involves the Ministry and related agencies, all kinds of military, and all seven local government agencies attached to the Thai border. They will coordinate border passes and offer temporary accommodation, food, and basic health care.
The Ministry of Defense, Army, and Phnom Penh Municipality are preparing transportation back to their domicile. The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training is ready to help these returning workers find employment within the country, which is currently facing a labor shortage of tens of thousands.
Financial and Economic Support for Returning Workers
The Ministry of Economy and Finance and related agencies are set to assist returning Cambodian workers in improving their daily lives through various economic and social packages. The government is also urging the Cambodian Bank Association and the Cambodian Microfanque Association to consider helping alleviate financial burdens for those returning with debts to banks or financial institutions.
“When our country and Cambodians face problems, the spirit of the unity of the nation and helping each other is the power of our Cambodian nation,” Hun Matner stated.
Border Disputes and Legal Action
On June 13, Hun Matner also posted a message via Facebook, stating his intention to file a lawsuit against the International Court (ICJ) or the World Court over four disputed areas if Thailand does not cooperate. The JBC meeting was the first in 12 years to discuss boundary determination, with two issues not up for discussion.
What is Cambodia’s main concern regarding border disputes? The primary issue centers on four disputed areas that Cambodia has decided to bring before the ICJ, awaiting Thailand’s position on cooperation. If Thailand does not cooperate, Cambodia is prepared to proceed with the case independently, with the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs set to send a formal letter to the ICJ on June 15.
The second issue is the closure of a border checkpoint, which Mr. Hun Matne confirmed is outside the JBC’s authority and can be easily resolved.
“If the Thai Army, who is the initiative to close the border checkpoint on June 7, will open the checkpoint back to the original condition alone, the problem will disappear. Cambodia does not intend to create problems for the journey or trade of the people in both nations. But is ready to respond, if being threatened or pressure from the outside.
“Cambodia is not the originator of this problem. Therefore, Cambodia should not be the parties that have to end the problem first. What happened by one side must end by one side. No need to negotiate anyone before that person must end first.”
Cambodia Prepares for Returning Workers from Thailand
Amidst rising tensions, Cambodia’s Prime Minister announced plans to assist cambodian workers returning from Thailand, while also addressing border disputes. The government is stepping in with crucial support, a move that addresses the escalating situation between the two nations.
- Cambodia is preparing to assist Cambodian workers returning from Thailand.
- The government will offer support, including transportation and job placement.
- Prime Minister Hun Matner threatened to sue the International Court of Justice over border disputes if Thailand doesn’t cooperate.
In a Facebook post dated June 14, 2025, Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, addressed the situation of returning Cambodian workers from Thailand. This announcement follows the Thai-Cambodian Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting held on June 6, where discussions touched on the potential return of Cambodian workers [[2]].
The government is prepared to coordinate and resolve the situation, involving the Ministry and its related agencies, all branches of the military, and all seven local government agencies attached to the Thai border. These groups will collaborate to coordinate border crossings and provide temporary accommodations, food, and basic healthcare.
The Ministry of Defense, the Army, and the Phnom Penh Municipality are arranging transportation for workers back to their homes.Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and vocational Training is ready to help these returning workers find employment within the country.Cambodia currently faces a labor shortage, with tens of thousands of jobs unfilled.
Financial and Economic Support for Returning Workers
The Ministry of Economy and Finance and other relevant agencies are set to assist returning Cambodian workers in improving their daily lives through various economic and social packages. The government is also encouraging the Cambodian Bank Association and the cambodian Microfinance Association to consider helping alleviate financial burdens for those returning with outstanding debts to banks or financial institutions.
“When our country and Cambodians face problems, the spirit of the unity of the nation and helping each other is the power of our Cambodian nation,” Hun Manet stated.
Border Disputes and Legal Action
On June 13,Hun manet also posted a message via Facebook,outlining his intention to pursue legal action against the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the World Court over four disputed areas if Thailand does not cooperate [[1]]. The JBC meeting was the first in 12 years to address boundary determination, with two specific issues not up for discussion.
What are the primary concerns in the border dispute between Cambodia and thailand? The main area of concern centers on four disputed areas that Cambodia has decided to bring before the ICJ, pending thailand’s cooperation. If Thailand does not cooperate, Cambodia is prepared to proceed with the case independently.
The Cambodian Ministry of foreign Affairs is scheduled to send a formal letter to the ICJ on June 15. The closure of a border checkpoint is the second issue. Mr. Hun Manet confirmed its closure is outside the JBC’s authority and can be easily resolved.
“If the Thai army, which initiated the closure of the border checkpoint on June 7, reopens the checkpoint to its original condition, the problem will disappear. Cambodia does not intend to create problems for the journey or trade of the people in both nations. though, Cambodia is ready to respond if threatened or pressured from the outside.
“Cambodia is not the originator of this problem. Consequently, Cambodia should not be the party that needs to resolve the issue first. What was caused by one side must be resolved by that side. There is no need to negotiate before that person resolves it first.”
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