MANOP THIP-OSOD
NOP TEPHAVAL
SA KAEO: Migrant workers streaming back home across the border to Cambodia admit to fearing persecution, as the junta struggles to quash rumours of a looming military crackdown on foreign labour.
It comes as industry leaders warn the mass exodus of migrant labour could have a crippling effect on businesses already feeling the pinch of labour shortages.
Thousands of Cambodian workers were seen again yesterday flocking across the border at the main checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province. Provincial Immigration Bureau officer Nathee Thongsukkaew said more than 54,000 Cambodian workers had crossed the border at Poi Pet in the past week.
Many have travelled by bus from various provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Nong Khai and Nakhon Ratchasima, he said.