Jump to content

Cambodian exodus from Thailand jumps to nearly 180,000


webfact

Recommended Posts

Cambodian exodus from Thailand jumps to nearly 180,000

POIPET, June 17, 2014 (AFP) - The number of Cambodians fleeing Thailand over fears of a clampdown on illegal migrant workers rose to nearly 180,000 Tuesday, as the two countries were expected to hold talks on the crisis in Bangkok.


The mass exodus of labourers -- who help keep major Thai industries such as agriculture afloat -- comes after a warning from Thailand's new military regime that illegal foreign workers face arrest and deportation.

"The number of Cambodians returning from Thailand into Poipet (the main Thai-Cambodian border crossing) in just over a week reached 157,000 by this morning," said Kor Sam Saroeut, governor of northwestern Banteay Meanchey province where the checkpoint is based.

Around 20,000 others have crossed the border at O'Smach, a checkpoint some 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast from Poipet, according to the governor and a senior Cambodian police official.

At the crossing in Poipet -- a bustling border town home to several large businesses, casinos and hotels -- a few hundred Cambodian migrants arrived in Thai military trucks and police cars on Tuesday morning.

A batch of migrants who crossed the border overnight were waiting under a handful of tents propped up to provide the returnees with some shelter as they waited for transport to travel on to their homes in interior provinces.

Thailand's military regime has rejected any claims it has been forcing Cambodian workers out of the country after issuing a warning last week that it viewed illegal migrants as a "threat".

The foreign affairs ministry has said authorities attach "great importance" to the role migrant workers play in contributing to Thailand's economy.

The Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand Eat Sophea was due to meet the Thai foreign affairs ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow Tuesday morning for talks where they are expected to discuss the Cambodian worker crisis.

In the past Thai authorities have turned a blind eye to illegal labourers because they were needed when the economy was booming.

But now Thailand is on the verge of recession after the economy contracted 2.1 percent quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of 2014.

afplogo.jpg
-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-17

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thailand and Cambodia agree to quash 'rumours' after worker exodus
by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, June 17, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand and Cambodia agreed Tuesday to quash "rumours" of a crackdown against illegal migrant workers by the new Thai junta after the exodus of nearly 180,000 Cambodian labourers.

The numbers of labourers fleeing home soared after the Thai military regime warned last week that illegal foreign workers face arrest and deportation.

The junta has since insisted there is no "crackdown" and blamed false rumours for the exodus.

The International Organisation for Migration has previous estimated that around 180,000 undocumented Cambodian workers live in Thailand, so it is unclear exactly how many still remain.

Migrants from neighbouring Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar play a key role in Thai industries such as seafood, agriculture and construction, but often lack work permits.

"We need to work closely together to allay fear among the Cambodian labourers in Thailand that it is not the policy of the current administration to crack down on labourers regardless of their (legal) status," said the Cambodian ambassador to Thailand, Eat Sophea.

She also dismissed rumours of the shooting and abuse of Cambodian migrants by Thai authorities -- among the factors believed to be triggering workers to flee.

"The reports about shootings, the reports about other abuses are rumours and are not true, it's been taken out of context. We agreed to work together in order to clarify any issues," Eat said.

During talks with Thai foreign ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Tuesday, the two countries also agreed to set up a hotline on labour issues.

"We agreed to set up some form of a hotline... to communicate requests for clarification for assistance to facilitate those labourers who wish to return to Cambodia," the Cambodian ambassador said.

At the main border crossing between the two countries in Poipet -- a bustling town home to several large businesses, casinos and hotels -- a few hundred Cambodian migrants arrived in Thai military trucks and police cars on Tuesday morning.

"The number of Cambodians returning from Thailand into Poipet (the main Thai-Cambodian border crossing) in just over a week reached 157,000 by this morning," said Kor Sam Saroeut, governor of the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey where the checkpoint is based.

Around 20,000 others have crossed the border at O'Smach, a checkpoint some 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast from Poipet, according to the governor and a senior Cambodian police official.

Thailand's military regime has denied it has been forcing Cambodian workers out of the country after issuing a warning last week that it viewed illegal migrants as a "threat".
The foreign ministry has said authorities attach "great importance" to the role migrant workers play in Thailand's economy.

In the past Thai authorities have turned a blind eye to illegal labourers because they were needed when the economy was booming.

But now the country is on the verge of recession after the economy contracted 2.1 percent quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of 2014.

afplogo.jpg
-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-17

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel the same about Illegal Immigrants in Thailand as I do about abot the ones in the USA. Get them out !! At least in Thailand they do not get on Welfare, Food Stamps, Cell Phones, Free Medical. There are enough Thais tp fill the jobs, just get off their Donkey and go to work. In both countries, Thailand and USA they should prosecute the employers of illegal's.

I hope some of the beggars from Cambodia leave so we can wallk down the sidewalk or pedestrain bridge with out them. I mean four or five in the same block is a little much.

Grouchy Jerry

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's the panic about Cambodians going to Thailand to work? There are loads of Vietnamese in Cambodia doing the same. Wait a few years and the whole of ASEAN will be able to do cross borders and work without the authorities, and ex-pats, getting their nickers in a twist.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thailand and Cambodia agree to quash 'rumours' after worker exodus

by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, June 17, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand and Cambodia agreed Tuesday to quash "rumours" of a crackdown against illegal migrant workers by the new Thai junta after the exodus of nearly 180,000 Cambodian labourers.

The numbers of labourers fleeing home soared after the Thai military regime warned last week that illegal foreign workers face arrest and deportation.

The junta has since insisted there is no "crackdown" and blamed false rumours for the exodus.

The International Organisation for Migration has previous estimated that around 180,000 undocumented Cambodian workers live in Thailand, so it is unclear exactly how many still remain.

Migrants from neighbouring Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar play a key role in Thai industries such as seafood, agriculture and construction, but often lack work permits.

"We need to work closely together to allay fear among the Cambodian labourers in Thailand that it is not the policy of the current administration to crack down on labourers regardless of their (legal) status," said the Cambodian ambassador to Thailand, Eat Sophea.

She also dismissed rumours of the shooting and abuse of Cambodian migrants by Thai authorities -- among the factors believed to be triggering workers to flee.

"The reports about shootings, the reports about other abuses are rumours and are not true, it's been taken out of context. We agreed to work together in order to clarify any issues," Eat said.

During talks with Thai foreign ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Tuesday, the two countries also agreed to set up a hotline on labour issues.

"We agreed to set up some form of a hotline... to communicate requests for clarification for assistance to facilitate those labourers who wish to return to Cambodia," the Cambodian ambassador said.

At the main border crossing between the two countries in Poipet -- a bustling town home to several large businesses, casinos and hotels -- a few hundred Cambodian migrants arrived in Thai military trucks and police cars on Tuesday morning.

"The number of Cambodians returning from Thailand into Poipet (the main Thai-Cambodian border crossing) in just over a week reached 157,000 by this morning," said Kor Sam Saroeut, governor of the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey where the checkpoint is based.

Around 20,000 others have crossed the border at O'Smach, a checkpoint some 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast from Poipet, according to the governor and a senior Cambodian police official.

Thailand's military regime has denied it has been forcing Cambodian workers out of the country after issuing a warning last week that it viewed illegal migrants as a "threat".

The foreign ministry has said authorities attach "great importance" to the role migrant workers play in Thailand's economy.

In the past Thai authorities have turned a blind eye to illegal labourers because they were needed when the economy was booming.

But now the country is on the verge of recession after the economy contracted 2.1 percent quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of 2014.

afplogo.jpg

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-17

'

She also dismissed rumours of the shooting and abuse of Cambodian migrants by Thai authorities -- among the factors believed to be triggering workers to flee.

"The reports about shootings, the reports about other abuses are rumours and are not true, it's been taken out of context. We agreed to work together in order to clarify any issues," Eat said.'

There have been a few farang on here who have been working overtime at their keyboards trying to spread this BS.

Same faces as were constantly standing up for the Thaksin regime over the past 7 months.

But their efforts have been thwarted at every turn by something quite simple........ a largely educated TVF audience.

Edited by thumper101
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel the same about Illegal Immigrants in Thailand as I do about abot the ones in the USA. Get them out !!

Got to laugh at right wing Americans. A nation of immigrants where they all feel obliged to call themselves "Irish" or "Italian," where they think a 100 year old building is old and a land stolen off the natives - yet they have the cheek to now shout "immigrants out" to the latest arrivals,

USA would collapse without slave illegal immigrant labour, so would Thailand.

It seems even an entire country can be associated with Thaskin now and its citizens castigated. Dark days ahead for Thailand.

Yes, I often wonder what the Sioux, Apache, Arapaho, Blackfoot, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Crow, Navajo, Kiowa, Mohican, Lakota,to name but a few, what they think of these Stupid immigration statements within the US of A ;)

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

intending to make the crossing on Saturday at Poipet. That going to be a cluster <deleted> or will farangs be in a position to cross without the Cambodian departure affecting them. Any ideas please???

Don't worry Jinner's i am sure they will wave you through past all those little brown,funny looking little chap's,give you a g&t ,whilst you wait for some non entity to stamp your visa,and then you can be on you merry way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel the same about Illegal Immigrants in Thailand as I do about abot the ones in the USA. Get them out !!

Got to laugh at right wing Americans. A nation of immigrants where they all feel obliged to call themselves "Irish" or "Italian," where they think a 100 year old building is old and a land stolen off the natives - yet they have the cheek to now shout "immigrants out" to the latest arrivals,

USA would collapse without slave illegal immigrant labour, so would Thailand.

It seems even an entire country can be associated with Thaskin now and its citizens castigated. Dark days ahead for Thailand.

Yes, I often wonder what the Sioux, Apache, Arapaho, Blackfoot, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Crow, Navajo, Kiowa, Mohican, Lakota,to name but a few, what they think of these Stupid immigration statements within the US of A wink.png

We don't care what all of your Thai ex-GFs think about it. "Them not good" was just about the extent of my ex-GF's thoughts on the matter. I also had two Thai ex-GFs called Pornee and Crow. Never had one called Blackfoot though. I assume that was her nickname. Boots sell a cream for that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

'

She also dismissed rumours of the shooting and abuse of Cambodian migrants by Thai authorities -- among the factors believed to be triggering workers to flee.

"The reports about shootings, the reports about other abuses are rumours and are not true, it's been taken out of context. We agreed to work together in order to clarify any issues," Eat said.'

There have been a few farang on here who have been working overtime at their keyboards trying to spread this BS.

Same faces as were constantly standing up for the Thaksin regime over the past 7 months.

But their efforts have been thwarted at every turn by something quite simple........ a largely educated TVF audience.

Perhaps the, how did you so delicately phrase it, largely educated, TVF audience would like to make their own mind up?

http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1402990360&section=12&typecate=06

Edited by fab4
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel the same about Illegal Immigrants in Thailand as I do about abot the ones in the USA. Get them out !!

Got to laugh at right wing Americans. A nation of immigrants where they all feel obliged to call themselves "Irish" or "Italian," where they think a 100 year old building is old and a land stolen off the natives - yet they have the cheek to now shout "immigrants out" to the latest arrivals,

USA would collapse without slave illegal immigrant labour, so would Thailand.

It seems even an entire country can be associated with Thaskin now and its citizens castigated. Dark days ahead for Thailand.

Yes, I often wonder what the Sioux, Apache, Arapaho, Blackfoot, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Crow, Navajo, Kiowa, Mohican, Lakota,to name but a few, what they think of these Stupid immigration statements within the US of A wink.png

We don't care what all of your Thai ex-GFs think about it. "Them not good" was just about the extent of my ex-GF's thoughts on the matter. I also had two Thai ex-GFs called Pornee and Crow. Never had one called Blackfoot though. I assume that was her nickname. Boots sell a cream for that.

cheesy.gifclap2.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cambodian authorities urge workers to return to Thailand
By Digital Content

14029957379829.jpg

BANGKOK, June 17 -- Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Eat Sophea said the Cambodian authorities would encourage Cambodian nationals to return to their work in Thailand.

Ms Eat made the announcement after meeting today with Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Sihasak explained Thai policies on migrant labour to the ambassador.

The meeting followed the exodus of Cambodian workers who feared possible roundups after the May 22 coup in Thailand.

Ms Eat and Mr Sihasak held a joint press conference.

Mr Sihasak insisted that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) did not plan any forceful eradication of migrant workers but only intended to regulate them to protect them from human trafficking and provide them with equal benefits and legal protection that Thai workers enjoyed.

He also said that the NCPO wanted to develop good relations with neighboring countries including Cambodia.

Ms Eat said the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would spread the message to Cambodian people and encourage them to return to work in Thailand through legal channels.

Nearly 100 Cambodian workers entered Thailand from Poiplet town of Cambodia through Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province today.

Cambodia exported them legally to Thailand under their memorandum of understanding on the supply of worker. Representatives of two companies in Samut Prakan and Songkhla provinces received the Cambodian workers in Aranyaprathet.

They are the first group of Cambodian workers entering Thailand amid the exodus of their compatriots from Thailand in the past week. (MCOT online news)

tnalogo.jpg
-- TNA 2014-06-17

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is frightening... I felt so far that correct steps have been taken all the way since the coup, but threatening illegal workers to the point where they panic is not the answer. General Prayuth should put into account that a ) the majority of Thai people simply does not want to work anymore (as if work would ever have been their favourite muse...) and b ) these "illegal" workers have helped the country to stay afloat while being paid and handled like slaves. Why not implement proper foreign labour laws and regulations that would allow both, the employer AND the labourer to stand on a legal foundation with both happy to pay taxes as they are now able to do it all by the book instead of pushing both into oblivion?

Edited by catweazle
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

intending to make the crossing on Saturday at Poipet. That going to be a cluster <deleted> or will farangs be in a position to cross without the Cambodian departure affecting them. Any ideas please???

intending to make the crossing on Saturday at Poipet. That going to be a cluster <deleted> or will farangs be in a position to cross without the Cambodian departure affecting them. Any ideas please???

Don't worry Jinner's i am sure they will wave you through past all those little brown,funny looking little chap's,give you a g&t ,whilst you wait for some non entity to stamp your visa,and then you can be on you merry way.

That has got to be one of the most crass and selfish posts I've ever read on TV. A tide of human misery being forced to return to even greater poverty than they experienced here, and all you can worry about is whether you can go on holiday. Shame Thai Visa doesn't allow bad language, but as James Bond would say, 'theres a word for comments like that and you're full of it.'

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel the same about Illegal Immigrants in Thailand as I do about abot the ones in the USA. Get them out !!

Got to laugh at right wing Americans. A nation of immigrants where they all feel obliged to call themselves "Irish" or "Italian," where they think a 100 year old building is old and a land stolen off the natives - yet they have the cheek to now shout "immigrants out" to the latest arrivals,

USA would collapse without slave illegal immigrant labour, so would Thailand.

It seems even an entire country can be associated with Thaskin now and its citizens castigated. Dark days ahead for Thailand.

Yes, I often wonder what the Sioux, Apache, Arapaho, Blackfoot, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Crow, Navajo, Kiowa, Mohican, Lakota,to name but a few, what they think of these Stupid immigration statements within the US of A wink.png

We don't care what all of your Thai ex-GFs think about it. "Them not good" was just about the extent of my ex-GF's thoughts on the matter. I also had two Thai ex-GFs called Pornee and Crow. Never had one called Blackfoot though. I assume that was her nickname. Boots sell a cream for that.

errrr these are all the names of Native American Tribes, who were there a long time before any white settlers arrived on their shores.. If you were trying to crack some sort of joke, it was an epic fail ;)

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Eat Sophea said the Cambodian authorities would encourage Cambodian nationals to return to their work in Thailand.

You can all go back to Thailand now... we don't want you in Cambodia, we can't handle you all. Go on.... You have had your week holiday to visit your families with free transport... Nice move... we know you don't get much time off.... You made the most of it, and now you can return, because you know it was always safe for you to be in Thailand... but you milked it anyway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A country most certainly will not collapse if the illegal workforce is leaving the country.

On the contrary, no illegal workforce means employees replaced by the illegals will be going back to the old jobs, be it for a normal paycheck..

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/thailand/unemployment-rate

Thailands unemployment rate sits below 1%, pretty much anyone that wants to work does. (i realise plenty dont and live a subsistence type lifestyle) So if you remove a hundreds of thousands from the workforce there simply isnt people there to replace. Your point is therefore simply incorrect.

You seem to be suggessting that the factories these people work in will replace the labour with local Thais at a higher rate. No they wont, theyll pack their bags and head to Vietnam/Laos etc.

This is about settling old scores with a Cambodian regime deemed too close to our little Middle eastern expat, it has sod all to do with the good of Thailand and is to its detriment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What about the Burmese ? How many are estimated to work in Thailand ?

Thailand has just 1.7 children/women, below the replecement level. At this stage, it surely needs foreign migrants. Just study some economy and draw the maths. There is no problem of unemployment in Thailand. This is the country where it is the easiest to find a job, maybe no quality jobs...

There are ways to fight the illegal workers, others than these human rights violations. 180 000 human beings fleeing aways scared to death.

There is no respect for human life in Thailand. Without it, the people will never be happy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

intending to make the crossing on Saturday at Poipet. That going to be a cluster <deleted> or will farangs be in a position to cross without the Cambodian departure affecting them. Any ideas please???

intending to make the crossing on Saturday at Poipet. That going to be a cluster <deleted> or will farangs be in a position to cross without the Cambodian departure affecting them. Any ideas please???

Don't worry Jinner's i am sure they will wave you through past all those little brown,funny looking little chap's,give you a g&t ,whilst you wait for some non entity to stamp your visa,and then you can be on you merry way.

That has got to be one of the most crass and selfish posts I've ever read on TV. A tide of human misery being forced to return to even greater poverty than they experienced here, and all you can worry about is whether you can go on holiday. Shame Thai Visa doesn't allow bad language, but as James Bond would say, 'theres a word for comments like that and you're full of it.'

Millwall,i do hope you realised my post was along the same lines as your's,with a little satire at jinner's,after all i would not want to get on the wrong side of a millwall supporter.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posts in violation of the following directive have been removed:

NCPO: All suspects in lese majeste cases, national security cases, violators of NCPO orders will face court martial

Due to the fluid situation in Thailand and the pressure being placed on the media, Thaivisa will temporarily impose strict limitations on any comments that can be construed as being negative about the imposition of Martial Law or the Coup. Posters will also not be permitted to make references to the royal family.

It is the hope of Thaivisa that this will be a temporary situation. Thaivisa will continue to monitor the situation and it is our wish that in a short while we will be able to less strict in the policy concerning posting. Posts contravening the policy will be removed without notice.

Please exercise extreme care in your posts. The same rules applies to Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Thaivisa Forum guidelines/rules: http://www.thaivisa....tion=boardrules

Thaivisa Forum Admin

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729064-urgent-notice-to-members/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel the same about Illegal Immigrants in Thailand as I do about abot the ones in the USA. Get them out !!

Got to laugh at right wing Americans. A nation of immigrants where they all feel obliged to call themselves "Irish" or "Italian," where they think a 100 year old building is old and a land stolen off the natives - yet they have the cheek to now shout "immigrants out" to the latest arrivals,

USA would collapse without slave illegal immigrant labour, so would Thailand.

It seems even an entire country can be associated with Thaskin now and its citizens castigated. Dark days ahead for Thailand.

I beg to differ.

A country most certainly will not collapse if the illegal workforce is leaving the country.

That nonsense is always utterd by employers trying to do some creative maximalisation of profits.

Including the drivel people do not want to work anymore.

Which is so, but Indeed, people do not want to work for the wages offered, simply because the amount of money is not enough!

The money exported by the illegal workforce is a drain on the economy, and results in a general decline of "welness", spending in the local economy, and so on.

On the contrary, no illegal workforce means employees replaced by the illegals will be going back to the old jobs, be it for a normal paycheck..

Prices and wages will rise, but only slightly in an economic sense.

But people, having more money to spend, will spend more.

And that means, eventually, a readjustment of employers, while the higher spending will bring better turnovers and ultimately better results for business.

Getting rid of illegals is ALWAYS better for a country's economy.

If a business can only survive by competing by lower wages, than that business has no right to exist.

well don't tell us, tell Walmart........

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.







×
×
  • Create New...