The Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok said Thailand would allow Cambodians stranded in the country due to travel restrictions to remain there without being fined until the Covid-19 situation calms down.

In an announcement dated April 9, the embassy said Cambodian citizens could stay where they were without having to travel to the Thai immigration office for permits.

“For those using the 14-day tourist visa and other visas that have expired since March 25, they can automatically continue their stay until April 30 without being fined,” the announcement said.

“Those using the border pass to enter Thailand are allowed to stay until borders reopen when they are required to leave within seven days at the most,” it said.

Cambodians using long-stay visas, the embassy said, need to request for an extension at the Thai immigration office.

Dy Thehoya, a programme officer at labour rights group Central, said while he welcomed the move and wanted the government to consider offering them daily diet support amid the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The main issue they are facing is unemployment. They have no income and can’t survive [for too long]. Only facilitating their stay is not enough, it’s only temporary. They need food and daily living support.

“Given the challenges, we should find ways to cooperate with the Thai authorities in case the Covid-19 pandemic continues to prolong,” he said.

Chea Bora, a migrant worker stranded in Thailand, told The Post on Sunday that she opted to remain there to protect herself and her family from the coronavirus.

“This year is difficult. If I return home, I would be put on 14 days’ leave anyway, so I won’t go. I don’t know how many people are getting stuck. I am working as usual in Thailand but its economy is slowing down, so some Cambodians are in difficulties,” she said.

Bora said because Thailand has declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 10pm until 4am, some Cambodians who work the night shift have lost their jobs. “Only Cambodians working in the food industry keep their jobs,” she said.

Pich Vanna, the head of the Cambodian-Thai border liaison office, told The Post that as of April 6, more than 60,000 Cambodians have returned to the Kingdom through the Thai border. He said more Cambodians continue to return but are getting stuck at the border.