In anticipation of a possible mass return of Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand, Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed relevant ministries, armed forces and provincial authorities to prepare comprehensive support measures, including transportation, temporary shelter, food, job placement and potential debt relief.

Posting on social media on the afternoon of June 14, Manet emphasised the importance of national solidarity in times of difficulty.

"When our country and people face challenges, the spirit of unity and mutual support is the strength of the Cambodian nation,” he wrote.

He directed all relevant government institutions, the various branches of the armed forces and provincial administrations of theseven Thai border provinces to be ready to assist with border crossing facilitation and to provide temporary accommodation, food and shelter for returning workers.

The Ministry of National Defence, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration have been assigned to organise transportation to bring returnees from the border to their home provinces.

Manet explained that the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training is prepared to assist in securing local employment for returnees, noting that the country currently is short of tens of thousands of workers.

To support the reintegration of returnees, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other relevant institutions are also preparing economic and social assistance packages for returnees who may face financial hardships.

In addition, the prime minister appealed to the Association of Banks in Cambodia and the Cambodia Microfinance Association to consider measures for easing the debt burden of returning workers.

“I urge the banking and microfinance sectors to explore ways to help reduce financial pressure on returnees who have outstanding loans, according to their capacity and within a feasible timeframe,” he said.