Thai - Cambodia Conflict Mass Exodus of Cambodians Strains Thai Economy

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have ignited a wave of fear, resulting in over 100,000 Cambodian migrant workers fleeing Thailand in a short span. The tensions escalated on 24th July when an armed conflict erupted, further intensified by a violent attack on Cambodian workers in Bangkok, allegedly incited by social media posts. The attack in Minburi district left the Cambodian community in fear, prompting many to return home despite having valid work permits.

 

The exodus has triggered significant labour shortages across Thailand, particularly affecting the agricultural sector. The eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, crucial for agricultural exports, have been hit hard. Farmers express concerns about crops being left unharvested, which could cause substantial losses to the country’s economy. A durian farmer in Trat’s Khao Saming district explained the sudden labour crisis affecting productivity.

 

Adisorn Kerdmongkol, coordinator of the Migrant Working Group, highlighted that before the tensions, approximately 500,000 Cambodian workers contributed to various industries in Thailand. The current shortage reaches beyond agriculture, with construction and restaurant sectors feeling the strain. While recruitment from neighbouring countries like Laos and Myanmar is an option, specialised roles often held by Cambodians are tough to fill swiftly.

 

Adding to employers’ frustration is the financial loss from recently renewed work permits as workers choose to leave. A contractor lamented renewing permits for 20 workers, only to see them depart out of safety concerns. If the exodus continues, with numbers exceeding 200,000, the Thai economy could face significant repercussions.

 

In the livestock industry, Cambodian employees resign en masse, fearful for their safety despite assurances from employers. According to officials at the Ban Laem border checkpoint, the exodus has surged to over 10,000 daily since the clashes began.

 

For many Cambodian families in Thailand, life has been upended. Saran, a gardener in Bangkok, recounted his family's brief detainment for not carrying documents, illustrating the tense atmosphere they now live in. His wife, Phana, shared her unease about the current situation, reflecting the broader sentiment among Cambodian workers in the country.

 

The psychological impact of this exodus is profound. Mental health experts caution that nationalist sentiment, fuelled by sensationalism on social media, exacerbates xenophobia against Cambodians. Dr Yongyud Wongpiromsarn, adviser to Thailand’s Mental Health Department, urged caution in consuming media reports, advising against taking the conflict personally, emphasising that the strife is political, not personal.

 

In response, the Thai Foreign Ministry has assured that Cambodian nationals are not targets of retribution. Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stressed that the conflict is between governments, not people. Despite these assurances, Cambodians report harassment and daily threats, claims dismissed by Thai officials who are aiding in facilitating safe returns and offering humanitarian support.

 

However, Adisorn insists more needs to be done to provide safety assurance to Cambodian workers. He argues that merely policing violent incidents is insufficient. Proactive measures are required to restore peace of mind to the migrant community, urging both nations to find diplomatic solutions and prevent further exodus.

 

As the situation evolves, the need for dialogue and a de-escalation of tensions is paramount. Restoring trust and safety for migrant workers is crucial not only for their well-being but also for the stability of Thailand's economy sectors reliant on their labour.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-08-04

 

[mfd101]

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Restoring trust and safety for migrant workers is crucial not only for their well-being but also for the stability of Thailand's economy sectors reliant on their labour.

Rather important for the Cambodian economy too, I should think