Cambodian migrant workers stranded in Thailand can now extend their travel documents after the country declared it will continue to close the borders for November to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok announced.
The embassy said Prime Minister Hun Sen approved the extension to help reduce hardships of Cambodian workers there.
Workers are advised to visit the embassy to extend their documents free of charge.
“The Thai government declared that it will lock down the country one more month from November 1 to November 30 to prevent Covid-19 spread there,” the announcement said.
The embassy also called on Cambodians in Thailand to adhere to the Thai government’s Covid-19 prevention measures.
The Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights (Central) executive director Moeun Tola told The Post on November 3 welcomed the move.
“The government has no options besides this method because Thailand has not opened the country yet. It means that workers working in Thailand cannot cross the border. If there is a border crossing, it is illegal,” he added.
Tola said there are at least two million Cambodian workers – both legal and illegal – working in Thailand.
He said over 100,000 people have returned to Cambodia since the onset of the pandemic.
