Chanthaburi: The Cambodian government has issued warnings to seize land and revoke the citizenship of workers who remain in Thailand, prompting a mass return of Cambodians to their homeland. Today, a significant number of Cambodian workers are making their way back, causing an 8-kilometer traffic congestion at the Ban Laem Market border crossing in Pong Nam Ron District.
According to Thai News Agency, since early morning, a line of vehicles, including rental cars and vans, has been steadily transporting Cambodian workers back to their country. By 7:00 AM, over 20,000 Cambodians were seen at the Ban Laem market area, waiting to cross the border. This surge is attributed to reports that the Cambodian government plans to take severe action against those who fail to return before the August 10th deadline, with measures including farmland confiscation and citizenship revocation. It is anticipated that nearly 50,000 people will return through this crossing alone.
Meanwhile, in Prachin Buri Province's Sri Maha Phot District, Cambodian workers continue their duties under significant stress. Many express reluctance to return, fearing unemployment and safety for their families left behind in Cambodia. Employers at local construction sites, such as Wat Pathum Bucha, are worried about the potential shortage of workers as many have already departed. The situation leaves employers uncertain about whether their workforce will return, necessitating a search for new labor should current workers choose not to come back.