Without naming Cambodia directly, Anutin said the new policy also carried a message to Thailand’s neighbour.
“This will send a message to the country that has issues with us: don’t ever think that Thailand will be short of labourers. No, we are not short of workers,” he declared.
The Cambodian government has urged its citizens to return home, citing plentiful job opportunities in Cambodia, following renewed border tensions with Thailand.
Anutin added that Myanmar refugees registered as workers would be considered lawful labourers entitled to welfare under the Labour Protection Act. He stressed that employers must guarantee fair treatment, including welfare benefits, quality of life, insurance, and funds in accordance with the law.