Cambodian Migrants Risk Return to Thailand Amid Debt Crisis

[geovalin]

CamboJA

 

Hundreds of Cambodian workers are once again crossing into Thailand, driven not by conflict but by crushing debt and a lack of viable jobs at home. Despite a ceasefire between the two nations, the economic fallout has left returnees with few options but to retrace their steps across the border—some legally, others at great personal risk.

 

Teat Chany, a 36-year-old construction worker, returned to Cambodia in August with her husband and children, hoping for stability. But with a $13,000 bank loan and no income, her husband felt compelled to return to Thailand for work. “We are safe, but we are not sustaining well,” she said. “Staying home wasn’t an option.”

 

Her story is echoed by Long Keo from Siem Reap, who remains in Thailand to repay a $15,000 debt and support his family. “If I go back to Cambodia, what if we don’t find a job?” he asked. “I’d rather face uncertainty alone than see my family suffer.”

 

According to the Credit Bureau of Cambodia, outstanding loans reached $15.9 billion in early 2025. With only 21% of the 910,000 returnees finding employment, nearly half a million remain jobless. The Cambodia Development Resource Institute warns that poverty among these households could surge from 30% to 50%, threatening rural economies reliant on remittances.

 

Thai authorities have arrested over 600 Cambodians for illegal entry since July. Many paid smugglers to guide them through remote crossings, risking arrest or worse. On 31 August, Cambodian police detained brokers accused of facilitating illegal returns.

 

Labour Ministry officials say they’re working to absorb returnees through SMEs and informal sectors, especially those over 40. But reintegration remains difficult. “Most returnees are vendors or construction workers,” said Loeng Sophon of labour rights group CENTRAL. “They lack the skills enterprises demand.”

 

Meanwhile, Thailand faces its own labour shortage and is exploring agreements with Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Philippines to diversify its migrant workforce.

 

For workers like Chany and Keo, the message is clear: without financial relief or job access, returning abroad is not a choice—it’s a necessity.

 

 

-2025-09-11

[mfd101]

This is what happens when poor & un- or under-educated workers, unable to think for themselves or beyond the next meal, panic and race for 'home' when political/military circumstances change. 

 

The penalty for short-termism.

[FlorC]

What is the dude in the picture carrying ?

[Digitalbanana]

9 minutes ago, FlorC said:

What is the dude in the picture carrying ?

They seem to be in training for one of those fridge carrying marathons.