Vigilance urged for Myanmar migrants in Thailand amid conflict with Cambodia

By Admin 25 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

25 July 2025, Yangon

With some people spreading hate speech and nationalistic ideologies between Thailand and Cambodia, which are currently embroiled in a military conflict, there are calls for Myanmar citizens in Thailand to be vigilant for their safety and security.

Fighting has been ongoing on the Thai-Cambodian border since Thursday, resulting in civilian deaths and reports of hate speech and incitement against Cambodian citizens in Thailand.

There are reports that Myanmar migrants working in Thailand should be cautious when it comes to their safety and travel amid the conflict.

"It is good for Myanmar people to remain as quiet as possible. We should not spread the military issue between Thailand and Cambodia on social media. Thai intelligence has said that they will expose Cambodian spies, so Myanmar citizens should be careful," said Ko Pyae Sone, a Myanmar student in Thailand.

The National Unity Government (NUG) has urged travelers and workers from Myanmar in Thailand to follow any emergency instructions and warnings issued by the relevant national security officials in their respective countries amid the ongoing military tensions.

The current conflict is taking place in the border area where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet, and where some Myanmar migrants live and work.

The ongoing military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has not yet had a major impact on Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. However, there are concerns that if the conflict between the two sides intensifies, Thailand's economy could enter a downturn and affect Myanmar migrant workers.

"If the war becomes more severe, migrant workers could be affected to some extent. Migrant workers could face fewer job opportunities if factories and workshops in the border areas are closed," said a Myanmar migrant in Thailand.

Labour organisations estimate that there are about 3 million Myanmar workers in Thailand, labouring in factories, construction, agriculture, livestock, restaurants, fisheries, as domestic help, and in the tourism industry.

Thai media have reported that more than 2,000 Cambodian workers in Thailand are returning home through a security checkpoint in Chanthaburi province due to the tensions between the two countries.

"We are still working normally. But Cambodians are returning to their country. Cambodians in our factory are still working," said Ma Khaing Thet Wai, a Myanmar migrant woman in Thailand.

Thailand and Cambodia have been at odds over a border dispute for decades, but tensions in the disputed areas resurfaced earlier this year. On July 24, Cambodian and Thai forces exchanged fire over patrols and disputes along the border, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries and the evacuation of local residents.

Diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been downgraded since the clashes took place.