Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong has announced that the renewal of work permits for around 100,000 Cambodian workers has been put on hold pending a security review. The Cabinet will only consider extending the permits after relevant security agencies complete their assessment. The delay directly affects thousands of workers and businesses relying on their labour.

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Speaking to reporters at Government House on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Treenuch said the government must first review the Thai-Cambodian situation and associated security concerns before making a decision. She explained that the matter is currently under consideration due to these concerns, which must be thoroughly assessed. The Cabinet will not proceed until the review is complete.

The minister acknowledged that the issue has implications for businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector. However, she stressed the need to balance economic impact with national security considerations. She requested that security authorities conduct a careful evaluation before the proposal is submitted to the Cabinet.

Treenuch further stated that the Cambodian workers are currently stranded in Thailand due to border issues. As a result, their stay has become unlawful. Returning them is not possible at present because of security conditions, leaving approximately 100,000 workers affected by the situation.

The government is considering multiple factors in its assessment, according to the minister. She assured the public that efforts would be made to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. No timeline has been provided for when the security review will be completed or when the Cabinet will make its decision.

The Nation reported that the outcome of the security assessment will determine whether the work permits are extended. Until then, businesses and workers must await further direction from authorities. The issue remains under active review.

Cover picture courtesy of The Nation

Key Takeaways

• Renewal of work permits for about 100,000 Cambodian workers is on hold pending a security review.

• The Cabinet will decide only after security agencies assess concerns linked to the Thai-Cambodian situation.

• Around 100,000 workers are stranded in Thailand and cannot return due to border security conditions.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 18 Feb 2026

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Good let them away... Thai will not do the job as at the moment they ask for wages that is beyond normal... Let the crops rot on the fields and the buildings unfinished and see what good it brings by crazy ideas of the people in charge... In Cambodia they probably can find work too, maybe less paid... but better less paid than no pay.

Security... of what?? there is no threat at all, only comments of Thailand what Cambodia is doing on their soil.

It appears that what is not being discussed is the humanitarian question.

If, as Labour Minister Treenuch states, roughly 100,000 Cambodian workers are stranded in Thailand because of border and security conditions, then their situation is not just an immigration issue.

Through no fault of their own, these Cambodians appear to be in legal limbo, unable to renew permits (thus losing lawful work and income), yet also unable to return home because of border crossings restrictions.

I have to question why Thailand doesn't just issue temporary extensions, grace periods, or special humanitarian status rather than merely saying that their stay has become unlawful.

While the minister’s comments suggest the government is prioritising a security review no timeline has been provided. Regardless, this does not remove the immediate reality that these workers still need shelter, access to healthcare, and protection while in Thailand.

These guys are in a classic Catch-22 situation where they cannot work, cannot leave Thailand, and also risk being treated as illegal despite being stranded by the ongoing border dispute!

Obviously time for Thai-style ICE. The woman in the photo sure looks like a terrorist, eh!

Seriously, due to Thai govts vilifying Cambodia extending to Cambodians, Cambos here are in a precarious situation. I'm not talking about food money or housing. The danger comes from Thais who have been whipped up by nationalism.