THE exodus of Cambodian migrant workers as a result of the five-day clashes along the border that ended with a ceasefire on July 28 is now beginning to impact businesses in Chonburi that rely on them, TV Channel 7 said today (Aug. 10).
Thai employers in construction and shipbuilding sectors admitted that their existing contracts are currently experiencing disruptions due to a shortage of workers, almost all Cambodians.
However, while tens of thousands of Khmer workers have returned to their homeland, with estimated departure from via Baan Laem border checkpoint in Pong Namron district of Chanthaburi over a few days till Aug. 6 being 50,000, some have chosen to stay on in Thailand.
Mr. Dam, a Cambodian construction worker, mentioned the pressure the Cambodian government is exerting on him to return home threatening to revoke his citizenship and seizing his house and land.
While this is what has spurred a large number of Cambodians working in Thailand to return home, he has not done so because he still has to repay loans he took to build a house. Should he go back he would likely be unemployed and unable to pay off his debts.
Moreover, his Thai employer has asked him to stay on and help with the business.
Mr. Ta, 34, a Cambodian working at a speedboat yard in Pattaya, said he decided to stay in Thailand because his employer took good care of him and Thais generally respect their Cambodian workers.
He has now stopped following the news from his own country because it causes stress and pressure to build up, which could lead to him returning home like many of his friends have done.
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Top and Front Page: Construction workers in Thailand. Photos: TV Channel 7
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