BANGKOK — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved importing 10,000 workers from Sri Lanka to address severe labor shortages following the exodus of Cambodian workers amid recent border tensions.

The decision, made at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, comes as many Cambodian laborers have returned home due to clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, leaving Thai companies struggling with workforce shortages.

Labor Minister Phongkawin Jangrungreongkit announced that his ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sri Lanka to bring in the initial 10,000 workers, with potential expansion to 30,000 after a month-long training period.

Five-Point Labor Strategy

The government has outlined a comprehensive approach to tackle the labor crisis through five key measures:

1. Domestic Workforce Mobilization : Thailand will deploy active-duty soldiers, well-behaved prisoners nearing release, and youth facility residents to work in manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
2. Migrant Worker Registration : Undocumented foreign workers currently in Thailand will be brought into the formal system to reduce illegal employment while immediately boosting the official workforce.
3. Diversified Labor Sources : Beyond Sri Lanka, Thailand is exploring workers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Nepal to reduce dependence on traditional sources Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. This initiative could add an estimated 100,000 workers pending security approval.
4. Myanmar Refugee Integration : More than 40,000 Myanmar refugees in camps have been vetted for employment in labor-shortage industries as of August 19.
5. Technology Adoption : Long-term plans include encouraging businesses to upgrade skills and introduce automation to reduce foreign labor dependence.

Security Considerations

Labor Ministry Director-General Somchai Morakotsriwan emphasized that Thai workers will receive priority, followed by strict registration of migrant workers, particularly Cambodians, in coordination with security agencies.

“Thailand still needs foreign workers to boost the economy, but there must be balance with labor from several countries to avoid overdependence,” Somchai stated. “The private sector must adopt technology and innovation so labor shortages don’t hinder economic development.”

Humanitarian Measures

The government previously extended work authorization for approximately 90,000 Cambodian workers whose permits expired but cannot return home, allowing them to remain until June 7, 2025, for humanitarian reasons.

The labor diversification strategy represents Thailand’s effort to maintain economic stability while managing regional political tensions that have disrupted traditional migrant worker flows.

Undocumented Worker Rules

Meanwhile, the Department of Employment Services has established procedures for managing undocumented foreign workers:

• Employer Registration : Employers must submit worker lists and work permit applications with fees within 15 days.
• Document Preparation : Required documents including medical certificates, health insurance proof, or social security registration must be submitted to provincial or Bangkok employment offices within 60 days.
• Biometric Data Collection : Foreign workers must complete identity data collection at Immigration Division 1, immigration offices, or designated locations within 60 days. Cambodian nationals must report to immigration officers initially within 60 days, then every 60 days thereafter.
• Documentation for Other Nationalities : Workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam with valid passports or travel documents can apply for temporary stay permits matching their work authorization period. Those without proper documentation must obtain these documents and complete visa procedures.
• Family Provisions : Dependents under 18 years old can remain in Thailand under their parent’s rights and must register within the civil registration system once parents receive work permits. Those turning 18 who wish to work receive a special 60-day grace period to apply for work authorization.