On 17 June 2014, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs in his capacity as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, invited Her Excellency Eat Sophea, Ambassador of Kingdom of Cambodia to Thailand for a meeting to clarify the alleged reports of the crackdown on Cambodian workers by the Thai authorities, which have resulted in a large number of Cambodian workers returning to their homeland. The gist is as follows:

The Acting Foreign Minister reiterated that those rumours were unfounded and that Thailand has no policy to crackdown or arrest Cambodian workers.  Mr. Sihasak clarified that the  National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s policy is to promote orderly flow and proper employment of foreign workers in Thailand in order to prevent labour exploitation/ abuses and human trafficking as well as protection of human rights. He hoped that this clarification would help correct any misunderstanding and allay the fears among the workers. Thailand appreciates the contribution of foreign workers to the Thai economy. Therefore, it is important that the management of foreign labour be properly handled to ensure that the foreign workers would receive the full benefits and welfare protection according to the Thai laws. The Permanent Secretary also stated that the workers who had entered Thailand legally and those who are awaiting national identity verification from the authorities can continue to work as normal in Thailand.  

In addition, to facilitate the return of undocumented workers to Cambodia in a safe and orderly manner, the Acting Foreign Minister and Ambassador of Cambodia reaffirmed the commitment that the two countries will closely work together, including  the setting up of a hotline number between the relevant authorities. Undocumented workers are encouraged to seek  employment through proper channels under the MOU between Cambodia and Thailand on Cooperation on the Employment of Workers to ensure proper welfare protection.