Labour Minister Joins PM’s Delegation to Cambodia to Sign Labour MOU and Agreement on Fair Employment Systems and Protecting Workers’ Rights in Both Countries

April 23, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, together with Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, and senior executives, joined the official delegation led by Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, on a state visit to Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia.

During the visit, the Ministry of Labour of Thailand and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia jointly signed two key labour-related documents:

1. Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Cooperation between the Governments of Thailand and Cambodia
2. Agreement on Employment of Workers between the Governments of Thailand and Cambodia

The Prime Ministers of both countries witnessed the signing ceremony at the Peace Palace.

Mr. Phiphat stated, “This cooperation marks a significant milestone in establishing a fair, safe, and transparent international labour system — including seasonal labour importation, short-term agricultural employment, and the protection of rights under Thai and Cambodian labour laws.” Key points of the agreement include legal employment procedures, advance notification of employers and workers, signing of employment contracts prior to travel, health checks and insurance, pre-departure training covering language, religion, rights, responsibilities, and complaint channels, and repatriation upon contract completion. These agreements build upon existing cooperation by reducing redundant procedures and expanding the scope to cover all types of workers, particularly those in specialized sectors such as fisheries and seasonal agriculture.

The delegation also participated in key events on the Prime Minister’s schedule, including the official welcome ceremony, high-level talks, laying wreaths at the Independence Monument and the Royal Statue of His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, and courtesy calls on the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate of Cambodia.

“Today’s negotiations and signing lay the foundation for fair and sustainable labour relations between our two nations,” Mr. Phiphat concluded.

source: Ministry of Labour