Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed authorities in the provinces bordering Thailand to prepare for the anticipated return of Cambodian workers from Thailand.

This directive comes in the wake of rising tensions regarding territorial disputes between the two countries.

Despite these tensions, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stated that Thailand has no intention of deporting foreign workers, including Cambodians.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the need for readiness in the seven Cambodian provinces that share a border with Thailand.

These provinces are Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Koh Kong, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Pursat, and Preah Vihear.

He instructed relevant ministries and local authorities to ensure that necessary services and coordination are provided for Khmer workers returning home.

The Cambodian government is making arrangements to assist these returning workers, which includes facilitating documentation through the Cambodian consulate located in the Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province in Thailand.

Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia, has been designated to oversee these efforts.

The directive to prepare for the incoming workers follows a recent Joint Boundary Commission meeting where both sides concluded without resolving their ongoing territorial disputes.

This situation underscores the complexities affecting bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly in the context of labor and migration, as well as national and regional economic concerns.