On April 22, 2025, at 21.00 hours, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, together with Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Seng Sakda, Permanent Secretary of Labour and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the meeting room of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Hotel, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia. The meeting was held to prepare for the signing of two labour-related outcome documents: (1) Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Cooperation between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia, and (2) Agreement on Employment between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia. These documents will be signed by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and H.E. Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, during the official visit of Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, to the Kingdom of Cambodia from April 23 to 24, 2025.
The essence of the revisions to these two documents is to build upon existing cooperation by supporting the legal importation of Cambodian migrant workers, reducing redundant procedures in the labour importation process, and adjusting regulations to better align with employment needs, especially for seasonal and short-term employment in the agricultural sector.
In addition, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, and H.E. Mr. Seng Sakda, Permanent Secretary of Labour and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Cambodia, also exchanged further views on enhancing cooperation in the labour sector. They agreed that the labour importation process should include more online channels to improve convenience and efficiency. The Permanent Secretary of Labour concurred and will assign the Department of Employment to handle the relevant implementation.
Regarding Cambodia’s concerns over two missing Cambodian workers from the building collapse incident on March 28, 2025, the Ministry of Labour will expedite coordination efforts to follow up on the progress of the case. Nevertheless, the Permanent Secretary affirmed that the Ministry of Labour and the Thai government are committed to ensuring that all migrant workers, regardless of nationality, receive the same rights and protections as Thai workers. Coordination and support centers have been established for workers affected by the earthquake, both at the Ministry of Labour and at JJ Mall, to provide comprehensive services, including interpretation and advice on workers’ rights and benefits. These centers will remain open daily until the situation is resolved.
