Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday questioned why young Cambodians travel to neighboring Thailand for work given the recent announcement that wages in Cambodia’s garment sector will rise to $153 a month in January and warned that the sector faces increased pressure from Myanmar and Bangladesh, where salaries are much lower. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for new teachers from the National Technical Training Institute, a defensive Mr. Hun Sen called on critics not to “mock” him as he suggested that recent hard-won wage increases in the garment sector would be enough to stop the migration of young Cambodians to Thailand for work.  
 

“Cambodians who work in Thailand must know that the garment salary in Cambodia is now $153 per month, but they still refuse to take this price and go to find jobs abroad instead,” he said. “If you don’t trust me on this point, don’t mock me either.”
 

It is estimated that about one million Cambodians work in Thailand – many illegally – in areas such as construction, agriculture and the notorious fishing industry. Noting that migrant workers in Thailand can earn double that amount, Mr. Hun Sen then appeared to mock calls made by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a recent visit to Thailand, during which she called on members of the diaspora to return to help build the country.

 

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and young Cambodians must know that there is the added bonus in Thailand of being treated as scum.......