Cambodia Reintegrates Over 620,000 Returning Workers from Thailand into Jobs

PHNOM PENH, March 18, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has reintegrated more than 620,000 workers returning from Thailand into jobs and livelihoods, accounting for about 65 percent of nearly 950,000 returnees, according to official data released this week.

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training said around 310,000 workers had secured jobs in the formal economy, while another 310,000 entered the informal sector or self-employment. The reintegration drive followed border disruptions that prompted large-scale returns.

To support workers, the ministry launched the “Khmer Helping Khmer Find Jobs” campaign and organized 579 job fairs and forums across 17 provinces, attracting more than 150,000 participants.

The report noted broader labour market growth, with Cambodia’s formal workforce surpassing 2 million in 2025, up by more than 400,000 from the previous year. Enterprises nationwide reached 46,649, including 1,867 garment factories and 44,782 non-garment businesses.

Labour Minister Heng Sour said employment remains a top priority, pointing to 80,000 current vacancies. He urged job seekers to connect with the National Employment Agency for matching and career support, stressing government–private sector cooperation as key to long-term integration.