Cambodian, Thai officials discuss cooperation over migrant workers

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong Tuesday met Thailand's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow here to discuss cooperation over migrant workers.

More than 250,000 Cambodian migrant workers, mostly undocumented, fled Thailand last month over rumours that the Thai junta would arrest and deport illegal foreign workers, Xinhua reported.

"We had discussed ways in order to enable Cambodian returnees to go back to work in Thailand legally," Hor Namhong said.

He said that since early last month, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry has asked for Thailand's working visas for more than 13,000 Cambodian workers to go back to work.

During the mass exodus of workers last month, Hor Namhong said, the Thai authorities arrested 14 Cambodian workers, who were accused of using fraudulent work documents.

The detained workers were also victims of human trafficking because they asked a ringleader to do work permits for them, but the ringleader used fake stamps on their work documents, he said.

"Through Sihasak, I would like to ask the Thai authorities to have understanding on this matter," he said.

"In the past, it needs up to three days for Cambodian workers to get a Thai visa, but now, we have reduced the time to only one day to obtain the visa," Sihasak said.

In the meeting, both sides also agreed to further promote bilateral trade and enhance security along the border.

Sihasak arrived in Phnom Penh Tuesday morning for a two-day visit.

He will also meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.