A win for Thai economy and Thai workers: Thai Workforce Steps In for Chanthaburi Longan Harvest Amid Border Tensions
Over 300 Thai workers from across the country replace Cambodian labourers in Chanthaburi’s longan harvest, earning up to 1,000 baht per day.
More than 300 Thai workers began harvesting longans in Soi Dao district of Chanthaburi province on Friday, stepping in to replace Cambodian labourers who have returned home due to ongoing border tensions.
The move has eased concerns among orchard owners about potential labour shortages during the peak harvest season.
The workers, drawn from provinces nationwide, were welcomed by Narongwet Mahasetthapong, a purchasing officer for longan exports, who led training sessions in tambon Patong.
Around 90% of the recruits are new to longan harvesting.
Supervisors assigned to each team provided on-site guidance, and many workers expressed confidence in acquiring the necessary skills within three to five days.
The replacement workforce followed a public call for pickers in the eastern province, renowned for its fruit production.
Wages range from 700 to 1,000 baht per day, paid on a piece-rate basis of 45 baht per basket.
Experienced Cambodian labourers previously earned over 1,000 baht daily, depending on speed and productivity.
On Thursday, workers from the South, North, and Northeast—especially from the latter—gathered in Wang Krathing village, Pong Nam Ron district.
Exporters, Chinese buyers, and orchard owners briefed them on harvesting methods, packing procedures, and pay structures.
The attractive earnings have drawn job seekers from diverse backgrounds, with some indicating plans to remain in the fruit industry if pay levels are sustained.
The shift in labour comes as Cambodian seasonal workers with expired permits have been granted six-month extensions by Thai authorities.
Notices from the Interior and Labour ministries, published in the Royal Gazette, apply to those with border passes or seasonal work permits, retroactive to June 7.
Tens of thousands of Cambodian workers have returned home since last month’s border conflict, with Thai officials facilitating their departure through open border crossings.
For years, Thailand has relied on migrant labour from Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
In response to current shortages, the Labour Ministry has proposed expanding recruitment to countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
The move has eased concerns among orchard owners about potential labour shortages during the peak harvest season.
The workers, drawn from provinces nationwide, were welcomed by Narongwet Mahasetthapong, a purchasing officer for longan exports, who led training sessions in tambon Patong.
Around 90% of the recruits are new to longan harvesting.
Supervisors assigned to each team provided on-site guidance, and many workers expressed confidence in acquiring the necessary skills within three to five days.
The replacement workforce followed a public call for pickers in the eastern province, renowned for its fruit production.
Wages range from 700 to 1,000 baht per day, paid on a piece-rate basis of 45 baht per basket.
Experienced Cambodian labourers previously earned over 1,000 baht daily, depending on speed and productivity.
On Thursday, workers from the South, North, and Northeast—especially from the latter—gathered in Wang Krathing village, Pong Nam Ron district.
Exporters, Chinese buyers, and orchard owners briefed them on harvesting methods, packing procedures, and pay structures.
The attractive earnings have drawn job seekers from diverse backgrounds, with some indicating plans to remain in the fruit industry if pay levels are sustained.
The shift in labour comes as Cambodian seasonal workers with expired permits have been granted six-month extensions by Thai authorities.
Notices from the Interior and Labour ministries, published in the Royal Gazette, apply to those with border passes or seasonal work permits, retroactive to June 7.
Tens of thousands of Cambodian workers have returned home since last month’s border conflict, with Thai officials facilitating their departure through open border crossings.
For years, Thailand has relied on migrant labour from Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
In response to current shortages, the Labour Ministry has proposed expanding recruitment to countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
