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

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/cambodia/274467-thailands-labor-minister-refutes-claims-about-cambodian-workers-being-forced-to-leave
- Published: 2025-12-28T14:29:54+07:00
- Author: PRD Thailand

**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.

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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.

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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](https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/52/iid/458543)