AKP Phnom Penh, March 27, 2026 -- Former Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand have dismissed reports by certain non-governmental organisations regarding a lack of domestic employment, stating that the local labour market offers robust opportunities and competitive benefits.

Workers currently employed in manufacturing hubs within Kampong Speu province noted that the availability of domestic roles has provided a viable alternative to working abroad. They characterised recent critical reports from some NGOs as being misaligned with the current progress of the national labour sector.

Ms. Chok Kunthea, an employee at T.S. Sport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. in Kampong Speu, recounted her transition back to the Kingdom. Upon crossing the Cambodia-Thailand border, she was met by officials from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) who provided immediate job counselling.

"While working in Thailand, I frequently heard rumors that there were no jobs back home," Ms. Kunthea said. "However, I received a job offer right at the border. " 

I didn’t expect the process to be this seamless. Now, I have encouraged my relatives to return and work alongside me. Our livelihoods have improved significantly due to stable monthly incomes."

Another worker, Ms. Ry Samon, highlighted the logistical support provided during the repatriation process, including food, water, and transport to her home province. She secured her current position in Kampong Speu by contacting the "1297" employment hotline provided by border officials.

Similarly, Mr. Seung Kavey, a native of Banteay Meanchey, shared that he found employment through a provincial job fair organised by the Ministry. 

"I am grateful to the Royal Government and the Ministry of Labour for the outreach programmes in our villages. Having a steady income has eased the financial pressure my family faced after I returned from Thailand," he said.

Mr. Sun Mesa, Spokesperson for the MLVT, provided data on the scale of the repatriation and re-employment efforts. 

According to the Ministry, out of more than 800,000 returned workers, over 650,000 have successfully secured employment.

The spokesperson detailed the breakdown of these figures: Formal Sector: More than 330,000 workers; Informal/Self-Employment: Over 320,000 workers.

To manage the high volume of returning citizens, the Ministry has implemented several strategic mechanisms, including: Organising over 600 job forums; Conducting more than 1,000 mobile job fairs at the local level; Promoting social security benefits and technical vocational education and training (TVET) to ensure long-term career sustainability for the workforce.

By K. Rithy Reak