October 8, 2025 — Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, has ordered an urgent investigation into the case of a Thai chef who reportedly died in Cambodia after being denied medical treatment. According to an initial report from the Social Security Office in Sa Kaeo Province, the deceased was a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and had previously been employed by a private limited partnership company in Thailand. Records show that the individual had made social security contributions for only two periods, the latest being in May 2024, with no further payments thereafter. A review of the Department of Employment’s database found no record of overseas employment registration, indicating that the individual had traveled to work abroad independently, without going through official channels of the Ministry of Labour. The person was also not a member of the Fund to Assist Job Seekers Working Abroad. As Thailand does not have a labour attaché stationed in Cambodia, the Ministry of Labour is awaiting further confirmation and detailed information from the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Ms. Trinuch stated that she has instructed all relevant agencies to verify the deceased’s employment details and to ensure that the family receives all eligible benefits and assistance under Thai labour protection frameworks. As of the latest data from the Department of Employment, there are 29 Thai workers currently working in Cambodia, 12 accompanied by their employers, 1 self-employed worker, and 16 under the Re-Entry category.
The Labour Minister reiterated that Thais wishing to work overseas must do so legally through one of five approved channels: 1. Self-arranged employment abroad (with registration through official channels), 2. Placement through a licensed private recruitment agency, 3. Placement through the Department of Employment, 4. Employer-sponsored overseas employment, or 5. Employer-sponsored overseas training programs.
Ms. Trinuch emphasized that workers should contact the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, for accurate information before traveling abroad. She also warned against believing offers or invitations to work overseas made through social media networks, as only the Department of Employment and licensed recruitment agencies are authorized to arrange overseas employment. She further encouraged prospective workers to register as members of the Fund to Assist Job Seekers Working Abroad to ensure they receive appropriate protection and welfare coverage while working in other countries.
