Officials from the labour ministry welcomed Cambodian workers returning from Thailand at the Doung International Border Gate in Battambang province’s Kamrieng district. Labour ministry
The Ministry of Interior has issued a directive instructing all provincial authorities along the Thai border to take action against any individuals who attempt to extort “service fees” from Cambodian workers returning home for next week’s Khmer New Year festivities.
In an April 8 notice, interior minister Sar Sokha noted that large numbers of Cambodians currently living and working in Thailand usually travel back to their hometowns for the Khmer New Year, celebrated from April 14 to 16. Most of them are expected to return to Thailand after the holiday.
This situation could lead to congestion at border checkpoints and delays in completing the necessary border crossing procedures. To improve border management and facilitate smooth movement during this period, the ministry has advised local authorities take appropriate measures to ensure security, public order, and efficiency at all crossings, before and after the New Year period.
This includes increasing the number of immigration officers or speaking with their Thai counterparts to extend border crossing hours, as required.
“Measures must also be taken against any individuals who demand unofficial service fees from Cambodian citizens crossing the border,” he added.
The authorities have also been ordered to be ready with solutions for any problems or incidents that may arise.
The ministry also advised informing transport operators, business owners and drivers to maintain standard pricing and refrain from increasing fees during the festive period.
The fact that legal Cambodian workers are exempt from re-entry permit fees when crossing the border should also be widely publicised, it added.
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training issued a notice confirming that the Thai government has approved ‘the waiver of re-entry permit fees’ for Cambodian, Lao and Burmese workers who lawfully reside and work in Thailand. These workers will be allowed to cross the border once without paying related fees from April 1 to May 15.
Labour ministry officials have welcomed returning Cambodian workers at international border checkpoints during the New Year period.
The ministry reported that Cambodian workers expressed satisfaction with the quality of services provided, the orderly management, lack of congestion and quick document processing — especially the waiver of the Thai re-entry permit fee.
