For the past few months, tension has been rising at the Thai-Cambodian border as the two countries enter another territorial dispute. On 24 July, the dispute escalated into an armed conflict which lasted five days before Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire in a meeting mediated by Malaysia as the current ASEAN Chair.

Meanwhile, a wave of nationalism is rising. Right-wing influencers are threatening violence against Cambodian migrant workers and calling on patriots to join them.

An ultra-royalist activist named “Tae Achiva”, also known for his hardline stance against migrant workers, and his group went hunting for a group of Cambodian migrants in Samut Prakan over a social media post saying that they were going to visit Ta Muen Thom temple, one of the locations under dispute. He claimed that his group were retaliating for the attack on Thai immigrants in Poi Pet and the death of Thai civilians during the border attacks, and that these migrants were ‘ungrateful.’

His Facebook profile page contains several posts where he asks his followers to send him information about Cambodian migrants who might be spies, and ones saying that he will be hunting down Cambodian migrants who are “taking jobs” from Thais.

A Cambodian worker in Bangkok’s Minburi District was assaulted by a group of men, according to a video clip being circulated online since last Friday (25 July). Khaosod reported on 26 July, that three Cambodian workers were injured two days previously after being attack by a group of assailants. The police also noted that they saw posts on social media calling on Thais to show their patriotism by attacking Cambodians.

While some comment that a distinction should be made between the Cambodian authorities and ordinary citizens, their sympathy is often reserved for ‘nice’ migrants who ‘know their place.’ For example, a commentator on an AmarinTV news clip asked fellow Thais not to incite racist hatred, but that migrants “deserve it” if they cause problems.

Comments under an AmerinTV news clip. The first one claimed Cambodians also attack Thais living in Cambodia. The second one said that the migrants were "asking for it" and that some "deserves it." The last comment said that people should not incite racist hatred if the migrants are just making a living, but that those who cause troubles "deserve it."

Living in fear

The hateful rhetoric and physical threats mean fear is now spreading among the Cambodian community in Thailand. Adisorn Kerdmongkol of Migrant Working Group (MWG), a network of civil society organizations working on protection for migrant workers, said some Cambodian workers are putting thanakha whitening cream on their faces before leaving home so people would think that they are from Myanmar.

Made from grinding the bark of the thanakha tree, the yellow paste is used by people from Myanmar as skincare. While workers from Myanmar were previously targets of harassment by right-wing groups because of their anti-Myanmar junta activism, Adisorn said that presenting as being from Myanmar now provided safety for Cambodian workers who have instead become a target.

Adisorn noted that, whether they are targeting workers from Cambodia or from Myanmar, these right-wing groups often say they were targeting troublemakers. However, the situation means everyone is living in fear. Right-wing activists have gone knocking on doors and asking if any Cambodian live there, or raid construction sites and wait around to attack Cambodian workers.

Adisorn Kerdmongkol

These threats continue, Adisorn said, despite a warning from police spokesperson Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong, who said on 25 July that he is aware that Thai people are angry, but that assault is a crime and will be prosecuted. He also asks people to be careful of using violent or inappropriate language online because it could escalate the situation and affect international relations.

The groups often say that they are tackling “illegal migrants,” but Adisorn said that they were threatening everyone. Their idea of what is legal is also not accurate. Adisorn said that these right-wing groups have gone into shops that employ migrants, demanded to know whether the owner is around and whether the employees have work permits, which is not something required by law. They have also been accompanied by police and labour officials, he said, alleging that they have some influence over the officials.

Adisorn noted that threats against Cambodian migrants intensified after Thai soldiers were injured by stepping on land mines. When Thai and Cambodian troops began clashing at the border, the right-wing groups that once targeted migrants from Myanmar suddenly turned against Cambodian workers. It has been difficult, he said, to tell if a post on social media is a real threat or “just content.” Nevertheless, the online hate and threats of physical assault made workers feel unsafe.

Thai economy to take a hit as workers flee

Adisorn said that Cambodian workers are choosing to leave Thailand in droves, while those who remain are only waiting for traffic at the border to clear before they go. Around 20 Cambodian workers employed by the same employer as the worker who was assaulted have all left the country, he said. Meanwhile, MWG’s field teams have told him that workers are feeling less comfortable with the idea of staying in Thailand.

Those who stay are not only living in fear of being assaulted but also of exploitation by government officials. Adisorn said that officials are becoming more strict with the escalating situation, and many workers who are in the process of extending their permits are concerned that officials would take advantage of the situation and exploit them.

Cambodian refugees in Thailand are also facing a heightened risk, Adisorn said, as most are undocumented and officials are not conducting more checks as the situation intensified. He noted that they are often political refugees fleeing threats from the Cambodian government, and that Cambodian communities are now paranoid and keeping to themselves.

Around 500,000 Cambodian workers hold permits to work in Thailand. Adisorn said that most are in the service and agricultural sectors, as well as in construction. These sectors will be affected if workers leave and do not return. He said that the harvest season is coming up for fruit orchards in the eastern provinces, and come October, it will be time to harvest sugarcane, which must be done within a limited time. These industries rely heavily on Cambodian migrants to do the hard labour, and an entire year’s work would be wasted without them.

Some have asked if Lao migrants could replace their Cambodian counterparts, Adisorn said. He does not believe that this would be possible, as he estimates that the maximum number of Lao workers who could come to Thailand would be around 300,000 – 400,000.

Damaged reputation

Adisorn is concerned that threats against Cambodian workers will be used to damage Thailand’s reputation in the eyes of the world.

The Phnom Penh Post reported that, on 28 July, Cambodian Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour presented pictures in a tripartite workshop with the Labour Ministry, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and representatives of employer and worker organizations. They allegedly show a Cambodian worker attacked by “Thai extremists.” He condemned the violence as “unacceptable and a grave violation of human rights,” and claimed that migrants who do not speak Thai are beaten on suspicion of being Cambodian.

The Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has called for a boycott of Thai products. In an open letter dated 27 July and addressed to global brands, buyers, and consumers of Thai products, the Ministry raises concerns about violence and harassment against Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand and calls on the Thai authorities to ensure the safety, dignity, and fair treatment of migrant workers. It also calls on brands, buyers, and consumers to engage with their suppliers and stakeholders to ensure decent work, non-discrimination, and responsible business conduct throughout their supply chains.

The Thai government has issued a response. On 26 July, spokesperson of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office Anukool Pruksanusak said that the Thai government does not condone violence against Cambodian migrants who are not involved in the conflict and warned that anyone attacking migrants will face charges.

On 30 July. Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap responded to the open letter stating that Thailand does not mistreat Cambodian workers but is trying to improve conditions for them. He cited a 22 July Cabinet Resolution allowing Cambodian workers to extend their stay without having to leave the country to renew their border passes, and said that Thai manufacturers have never responded with calls to boycott Cambodian products.

But for Adisorn, without concrete action, the warnings are hollow.

Action needed

The Thai authorities are not doing enough to ensure that workers feel safe enough to stay, Adisorn said. Instead of implementing safety measures for migrant workers, it would appear that officials are prioritizing monitoring the activities of Cambodian workers.

In a screenshot of a chat group on the messaging application Line provided by Adisorn, employers in Chumphon received a message on 26 July asking them to monitor the Cambodian migrants they employ and to notify the Chumphon Employment Office if the workers cause a disturbance or leave the area. The employers were also asked to raise awareness that Thailand does not intend to expel Cambodian workers.

Employers in other provinces received similar requests, Adisorn said. In another image he provided, employers in Ratchaburi were also asked to ensure that their Cambodian employees follow the law and avoid political gatherings.

“I asked in a provincial employment office Line group if I have to notify them if a Cambodian worker is assaulted. They told me to call the police,” Adisorn said. “When messages like this come out, it looks like we are not serious about protecting Cambodian workers.”

These measures also perpetuate the idea held by some Thais that Cambodian workers are troublemakers, Adisorn said, concerned that anti-migrant sentiment would only grow. Meanwhile, the police are not showing any urgency in charging assailants.

Images sent to employers in Chumphon and Chachoengsao asking them to monitor the activities of their Cambodian employees.

Concrete measures are needed, Adisorn said, to show that Thailand is taking anti-migrant sentiments seriously and to rebuild trust between Thais and Cambodians. He proposed that in the short term, a centre could be set up for workers to file a complaint, where interpreters would be provided for them. The police could also expedite investigations into attacks on Cambodian workers.

Some exemptions should also be made for workers who left the country without a re-entry permit. Adisorn explained that migrant workers with valid visas normally have to request a re-entry permit before they leave, so those who left without one will lose their visas. He proposed that a Cabinet resolution be issued to allow them to return without paying a fine or extend the period during which they must renew their visas. The government could also open a new registration period or open an employment centre at the border.

He stressed that these measures are urgently needed and ideally should be implemented by next week, as employers in some sectors, such as sugarcane plantations, need the workers.