Cambodia Hands Over 29 Thai Workers at Border

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Cambodian authorities have coordinated the handover of 29 Thai nationals who had been working in Cambodia, transferring them from Phnom Penh to Thailand on 14 January 2026 at 5.45pm. The group was received at the Ban Phakkat Permanent Border Checkpoint in Khlong Yai subdistrict, Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, where Thai officials began screening and legal procedures.

The reception was led by Pol Maj Gen Thitawat Suriyachai, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, and Pol Maj Gen Padungsak Raksasuk, Commander of Chanthaburi Provincial Police. Officers from the police, military, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Immigration Bureau and Chanthaburi public health services were present to process the returnees.

The case follows reports of Thai nationals being lured to Cambodia with promises of work before being exploited or detained by criminal networks. Among the 29 returnees was a closely monitored case involving Mr Ronnachat, also known as “Nong Ainam”, a student at Lampang Technical College, who was allegedly deceived into applying for a job and then taken across the border.

According to relatives, Mr Ronnachat was moved from Poipet to Sihanoukville and later abandoned in Koh Kong by a Chinese criminal syndicate. The family said Thai relatives had frozen bank accounts, preventing financial transactions, leading the group to deem the victims “no longer useful” and abandon four of the six people involved.

Relatives, including an uncle and his girlfriend, filed a complaint with the Royal Thai Police on 7 January 2026, prompting coordination efforts. The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh later confirmed that Mr Ronnachat and three others travelled from Sihanoukville to seek assistance at the embassy in Phnom Penh.

The four individuals were subsequently transported from Koh Kong to Phnom Penh after relatives transferred money to hire transport to the embassy. They were then included with 25 others scheduled for repatriation, bringing the total to 29 Thai nationals.

Thai authorities reported that database checks identified 11 individuals with records, including three with outstanding arrest warrants. These three will be separated and prosecuted in accordance with the law at Pong Nam Ron Police Station, while the remaining individuals will undergo further screening and may be detained temporarily for verification.

Amarin reported that officials said those found to have arrest warrants or pending complaints will face legal action, while others will be processed under established victim support and repatriation procedures. The coordinated response reflects ongoing efforts to address cross-border labour exploitation and related crimes.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia transferred 29 Thai nationals to Thailand on 14 January 2026 at Ban Phakkat checkpoint.

• The group included a student allegedly trafficked and later assisted by the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.

• Three returnees face legal action due to outstanding arrest warrants, with others under screening.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-15