Thailand’s Labor Minister Refutes Claims About Cambodian Workers Being Forced to Leave

Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong dismissed claims that Cambodian workers in Thailand must leave by February 13, 2026, clarifying their permits allow them to stay until 2027 or longer under specific conditions.

Key Points

• Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong clarified that reports requiring Cambodian workers in Thailand to leave by February 13, 2026, are incorrect, stemming from a misunderstanding of cabinet resolutions. The date refers only to certain Lao and Vietnamese workers, who have received an extension until February 13, 2027.
• Cambodian workers with non-compliant legal status can remain until March 31, 2026. Those who renewed work permits after February 13, 2025, may work until February 13, 2027, with the possibility of renewing for up to two additional years, extending their status to February 13, 2029.
• The Department of Employment is collaborating with national security to establish guidelines for Cambodian workers, considering various factors. Employers are encouraged to stay updated through official channels, including the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506.

Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong has dismissed recent reports claiming that Cambodian workers in Thailand will be required to leave the country on February 13, 2026, saying the information is incorrect and stems from a misunderstanding of existing cabinet resolutions.

Treenuch said the February 13, 2026, deadline applies only to certain Lao and Vietnamese workers under a cabinet resolution dated February 4, 2025. That group was later granted a one-year extension under a subsequent cabinet resolution on December 2, 2025, allowing them to remain and work legally in Thailand until February 13, 2027.

Different measures apply to Cambodian nationals. Under a cabinet resolution dated September 24, 2024, Cambodian workers whose legal status is not yet compliant are permitted to remain and work until March 31, 2026. Those who renewed their work permits after the previous expiration date of February 13, 2025, are authorized to stay and work until February 13, 2027, and may renew once more for up to two additional years, extending their legal status until February 13, 2029.

On this basis, the ministry confirmed that no group of Cambodian workers has work permits expiring on February 13, 2026, contrary to claims circulating in recent reports.

Department of Employment Director-General Somchai Morakotsriwan said the agency is working with national security bodies to develop appropriate guidelines for Cambodian workers that account for economic, social, and security factors. Employers are advised to follow official updates from the Department of Employment, contact employment offices nationwide, or call the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506 for additional information.

Source : Thailand’s Labor Minister Dismisses 2026 Exit Claims for Cambodian Workers