Due to armed conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border, some Thai citizens have committed acts of violence against Cambodian nationals living and working in Thailand. The Cambodian Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training strongly condemns these attacks.
According to reports from the Phnom Penh Post and Khmer Times, Heng Sour, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, said the ministry is closely monitoring videos circulating on social media that appear to show Cambodian citizens working in Thailand being subjected to violent attacks.
Heng Sour strongly condemned such assaults, calling them “a blatant violation of the law and a serious infringement on the basic rights of Cambodian civilians.”
“We have seen the videos circulating online and are currently monitoring and reviewing them carefully. We will assess the severity of these incidents to determine whether they were intentional, accidental, the result of disputes, or caused by other factors,” Heng Sour said in an interview.
Heng Sour called on the Thai authorities to, if these incidents are confirmed, hold those responsible legally accountable and seek justice for the victims. He also noted that the Cambodian government has prepared relevant response mechanisms to support its citizens abroad.
He further reminded Cambodian citizens currently living or working in Thailand to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and ensure their personal safety. If they feel threatened, they may contact the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, the Consulate General in Sa Kaeo Province, or local labor offices at any time.
“If you face any threats or insecurity in Thailand, the national leadership encourages you to return home. At present, the Ministry of Labor has prepared over 250,000 safe job opportunities and welcomes returning citizens to apply,” he said.
He also revealed that since the escalation of the conflict, about 54,000 Cambodians who had been working in Thailand have returned to Cambodia. Of these, over 20,000 held border work permits, more than 13,000 have obtained employment opportunities arranged by the Ministry of Labor, and others have found jobs on their own or become self-employed.