An official from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has warned Cambodians to think twice before risking the journey to Thailand amid unresolved tensions between the two neighbouring kingdoms. The Thai navy reported that they had arrested 71 Cambodian migrant workers in the early hours of this morning, January 13.
The navy claimed that initial questioning revealed that the Cambodians were forced to flee across the border due to famine in their home country, accusations that Cambodian officials strongly rejected.
They noted that the 71 detained individuals would be handed over to immigration officials for legal proceedings.
Sun Mesa, labour ministry spokesperson, rejected the famine accusation. He said he regretted that some people decided to cross the border illegally to work in Thailand while thousands of jobs are on offer here in Cambodia, with reasonable salaries which are similar to the ones in Thailand.
He said the ministry has worked hard to solve the job issue for returning migrant workers, such as putting in place a platform for workers to get training and find jobs.
“Since the beginning, we had put in place a supporting mechanism for them. We have held nearly 600 forums along the borders and more than 500,00 of them have received the information.
“We urge our compatriots to search for jobs inside the country rather than in the neighbouring country, which is risky. Jobs inside the country are safe and come with a pension. I call on our workers from Thailand to stay here and not be persuaded by brokers to go back to the country next door,” he said.
He warned that trying to get back to Thailand meant they could face being cheated for money by brokers, and when they arrive in Thailand they may be arrested and sent back, losing all of the money they had spent.
He recommended that workers use the ministry’s 1297 job hotline.
“To help our returnees get jobs, the ministry provides a 7-day training along with financial support of 8 dollars every day. They will also receive snacks, lunch and accommodation during the training period. They will then get the job right after the training,” said Mesa.
He also called on labour NGOs and local authorities to report suspected brokers, saying the authorities will take legal action against them.
Since the armed clashes of July, around 1 million migrant workers have returned from Thailand.
