Bangkok: Cambodian workers employed in Thai border provinces have been granted permission to remain in Thailand for up to six months, following adjustments to travel times through checkpoints in seven border provinces, which have impacted their ability to enter or exit.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangtrakul, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, explained that the ongoing unrest at the Thai-Cambodian border and the new border crossing measures have affected Cambodian migrant workers. These workers, who have been operating under Section 64 of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment, have found themselves unable to leave Thailand, resulting in an overstay and illegal status for 47,348 individuals as of June 2025. Work permits for some of these workers are set to expire by the end of September 2025.

The Cabinet, following a proposal from the Ministry of Labor, has decided to grant a special exemption allowing these workers to stay in the Kingdom for six months starting June 7, 2025, coinciding with the implementation of the new border control measures. This exemption includes a waiver of fines for overstaying. Workers are required to apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor’s electronic system, paying a total fee of 325 baht, and must complete a health examination and obtain health insurance as outlined by the Ministry of Public Health. Once these steps are completed, workers will be granted permission to work for three months at a time, with the option to renew their permits following the same process.