August 6, 2025
PHNOM PENH – As of Tuesday, August 5, the number of Cambodian citizens returning from Thailand had risen to over 610,000. The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has launched a job promotion campaign which highlights the benefits of working in the Kingdom, such as healthcare and pensions.
Sun Mesa, ministry spokesperson, noted that as of today, tens of thousands of the returnees have already found work.
Following the mass return, driven by the recent border clashes and reports of violence and discrimination in Thailand, the ministry has been working to provide job opportunities to the returnees.
During a meeting with former migrant workers in Siem Reap province on August 3, labour minister Heng Sour explained that Cambodian workers who gain local employment could earn a monthly salary from $250 to more than $300, which with other benefits, can support the livelihoods of Cambodian families.
He explained that they will receive free healthcare coverage in cases of illness or accidents, and upon reaching old age, they will receive a retirement pension from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), under the ministry.
“The most important thing is that when we grow older, the state will take care of us. If we work from now until the age of 60, the NSSF will support us. That’s a big difference. If we go work in Thailand and reach 45 years old, they may not want us anymore. In construction, at age 45 or 50, it’s often too late. People return with nothing left,” he said.
He also noted that women working in factories receive allowances of $20 at each pregnancy check-up, plaus free medical services and a $200 payment after giving birth.
Sour acknowledged that while wages in Cambodia may be slightly lower than those in Thailand, the long-term security is better: the state provides free healthcare and retirement pensions, so people don’t need to worry about burdening their children.
“No matter how things change, please remember that the reason you ran here was for a reason. You were afraid because people wanted to harm you. If you go back, they may harm you again, or you will struggle again. So be determined to work in our own country, help our families, our society and contribute to our economy,” he said.
“To prevent our nation from being looked down upon by Thais, the only solution is for our citizens to come back and work in Cambodia to help develop our country’s economy,” he added.
The minister also urged returnees looking for jobs to contact the ministry through the phone numbers provided on flyers, assuring them that they would be quickly matched with jobs so they can support their families.