Thai businesses are pressing the government to renew work permits for 190,000 Cambodian migrant workers, warning of a looming labour shortage if their licences are allowed to expire.
Tanit Sorat, chairman of the National Labour Development Advisory Council, said the panel has urged the authorities to ease strict rules and streamline the extension process for Cambodian workers who are legally employed in Thailand.
"The council discussed this issue with the Federation of Thai Industries on May 20. The business sector is deeply concerned about the risk of a labour shortage," said Mr Tanit, who also serves as vice‑chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry.
Before last year's border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, around 400,000 Cambodian workers were legally employed in industries such as fisheries, agriculture and construction.
Many returned home after fighting escalated on July 24, when a Cambodian rocket struck a 7‑Eleven store in Thailand and Thai forces launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets.
Thailand maintains a policy of deporting undocumented migrants and those whose permits have expired.
A businessman familiar with the issue said the Labour Ministry proposed extending the permits of 190,000 Cambodian workers, but the cabinet has yet to act.
He said the new government has no immediate plans to consider the matter.
Mr Tanit said businesses would need significant time to recruit replacements from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam if Cambodian workers are forced to leave.
To mitigate the impact, Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding with Sri Lanka to recruit an initial 10,000 workers, with the option to expand by 30,000.
The government also plans to bring in more migrants from Myanmar and refugees to fill the gap.
Thailand employs nearly 4 million migrant workers, with Myanmar nationals making up about 80%, followed by workers from Laos and Vietnam.
Business leaders warn that without swift action to renew Cambodian permits, industries already facing labour shortages could see further disruption.
