Cambodian workers complete procedures to leave Thailand and head home at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi. (Photo: Thai-Cambodian Border Trade and Tourism Association of Chanthaburi)
Thai businesses are pressing the government to renew work permits for 190,000 Cambodian migrant workers, warning of a looming labour shortage if their licences are allowed to expire.Tanit Sorat, chairman of the National Labour Development Advisory Council, said the panel has urged the authorities to ease strict rules and streamline the extension process for Cambodian workers who are legally employed in Thailand.
"The council discussed this issue with the Federation of Thai Industries on May 20. The business sector is deeply concerned about the risk of a labour shortage," said Mr Tanit, who also serves as vice‑chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry.
Before last year's border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, around 400,000 Cambodian workers were legally employed in industries such as fisheries, agriculture and construction.
Many returned home after fighting escalated on July 24, when a Cambodian rocket struck a 7‑Eleven store in Thailand and Thai forces launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets.
