What's Happening?
On November 15, 2025, Suradet Yasawat, deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party and Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Minister of Labour, addressed the issue of replacing Cambodian labourers
due to the conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border. He stated that plans are in place to replace these workers with ethnic minorities living in the mountains who do not have Thai citizenship but are willing to work. There are over 200,000 individuals in this group, with around 700 already working in Chiang Rai province. These workers would need work permits from the Ministry of Labour to work outside their area. Suradet expressed confidence in their ability to replace Cambodian workers, especially in agriculture, due to their proficiency in Thai and lack of communication barriers with employers. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour is considering recruiting Bangladeshi workers and utilizing approximately 40,000 workers currently in refugee centers or shelters.
Why It's Important?
The replacement of Cambodian workers with ethnic minorities and other foreign laborers is significant for Thailand's labor market, particularly in sectors like agriculture where Cambodian workers have been prevalent. This shift could impact the dynamics of labor supply and demand, potentially affecting wages and employment conditions. The integration of ethnic minorities and foreign workers may also influence social and cultural aspects within communities, as these groups bring diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Ministry of Labour's approach to managing labor shortages could set a precedent for how Thailand addresses workforce challenges in the future, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and border conflicts.
What's Next?
The Ministry of Labour will need to facilitate the issuance of work permits for ethnic minority workers to enable them to work outside their current areas. Additionally, the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers and the utilization of workers from refugee centers will require coordination and policy adjustments. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour is expected to submit relevant information to the Minister of Labour, Trinuch Thienthong, for further action. Stakeholders, including employers and local communities, may react to these changes, potentially influencing labor policies and practices in Thailand.
Beyond the Headlines
The decision to replace Cambodian workers with ethnic minorities and other foreign laborers raises ethical and legal considerations regarding labor rights and the treatment of non-citizen workers. Ensuring fair working conditions and protecting the rights of these workers will be crucial to prevent exploitation and discrimination. Additionally, the integration of diverse groups into the workforce may lead to cultural shifts and require efforts to promote inclusivity and social cohesion.
