Thailand plans to develop five training centres on its border with Cambodia in an attempt to smooth the integration process for migrant workers, officials told a Cambodian delegation last week.

From August 8 to 12, members of the delegation met with the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs and Labour, and with the Thai National Assembly, to discuss ways to improve the migration process for Cambodian workers in Thailand.

“We don’t know exactly when or where the centres will be established, but we welcome Thailand’s effort to ensure the safety and health of our workers,” said Chheang Vun, a CPP lawmaker, who led the delegation.

In September, Thailand will resume its efforts to provide legal documents for Cambodian migrant workers after it temporarily halted the process in March, Vun added.

According to Vun, there are currently estimated to be around 700,000 Cambodian workers in Thailand, most of whom are working illegally. An International Labour Organization survey last Monday suggested workers were opting not to apply for passports or worker permits due to high costs and long waits.

Top Neth, spokesman of the Interior Ministry’s identification department, said migrant workers could apply for free travel documents that are valid for up to five years. Still, workers must provide a variety of supporting documents and travel to Phnom Penh to obtain the permits, Neth said.