Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated in July 2025resulting in widespread disruption to both labor migration and bilateral trade.
Economic Impact
- 2 million Cambodians were working in Thailand when disputes began escalating
- More than 900,000 migrant workers returned to Cambodia in just over two weeks
- Cambodia’s imports from Thailand declined 44% year-on-year in July 2025 to USD 166 million, whereas, Exports to Thailand decreased 3% year-on-year to USD 40.6 million
- Total bilateral trade (January-July 2025): USD 2.4 billion, down 0.6% from previous year
On 15 August 2025, Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training announced 212,318 available positions across enterprises, factories, and institutions in all 25 provinces for immediate recruitment.
Opportunities for Foreign Businesses and Investors
Cambodia’s border situation presents hiring opportunities with immediate access to 900,000+ experienced workers across manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and services sectors. These workers previously comprised 70-80% of Thai border provinces’ workforce, bringing with them skills, knowhow and readiness to meet the growing demand for job opportunities within and outside of Cambodia.
Diversification is an urgent imperative as Cambodia seeks to lessen dependency on Thai imports and products. This presents an opportunity for suppliers, service and solution providers to tap into Cambodia’s growing market, from FMCGs such as household goods and food products, to construction materials, various machineries and equipment, and services, among others.
Source:
- Cambodia’s July Imports from Thailand Fall 44% Amid Border Conflict | Kiripost
- Thailand faces labour crisis amidst Cambodian border tensions – Khmer Times
- Driven Home: Why Cambodian Migrant Workers Are Fleeing Thailand | Cambodianess