The number of migrant workers in Thailand is rising, as the border dispute with Cambodia has resulted in more labourers from other countries seeking employment here, says the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai).
From January to August, the numbers increased by 23%, or around 70,000 workers.
Many Cambodian labourers returned to their home nation after the conflict escalated on July 24 when the two countries attacked each other, with a Cambodian rocket hitting a 7-Eleven store in Thailand, and Thailand launching air strikes on Cambodian military targets.
Cambodian workers are often employed in agriculture, fisheries, construction, and factory work across Prachin Buri province.
“Local employers were initially concerned about a shortage of Cambodian workers, but the situation has changed. They are no longer worried,” said Tanit Sorat, vice-chairman of EconThai and chairman of the National Labour Development Advisory Council.
The cabinet earlier approved a six-month extension of work permits for migrant workers to address the short-term impact. After this period, eligible migrant workers may further extend their permits for an additional two years, with the option to renew for another two years thereafter.
Meanwhile, employers have raised wages or increased overtime pay to attract workers from other countries, who see their earnings higher than the government’s daily minimum wage, said Mr Tanit.
The government has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka to recruit 10,000 Sri Lankan workers, with the potential to increase this number by an additional 30,000 to replace Cambodian workers.
Authorities plan to recruit additional migrant workers from Myanmar, including refugees currently residing in Thailand, to help prevent a potential shortage of labour.
Thailand hosts nearly 4 million migrant workers, with roughly 80% originating from Myanmar, followed by workers from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, according to EconThai.
The number of Cambodian workers fell from 20,000-30,000 imported under an MoU signed between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.
“When we saw a large number of Cambodian workers returning home, the numbers included both legal and illegal migrant workers,” said Mr Tanit.