"Restrictions tightened as migrant workers attempt to cross borders", 15 May 2020

Interior Minister Sar Kheng ... sent a letter to the provincial governors of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey to tighten lockdowns in their border checkpoints as some migrant workers attempt to illegally cross into neighbouring countries in search of a job.

..., Mr Kheng said some brokers are persuading workers to illegally cross borders despite the lockdowns enforced on the Kingdom’s neighbouring countries.

As such, he urged authorities and provincial administrations to strengthen cross-border travel bans, maintain public order and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Mr Kheng also urged them to cooperate with authorities of neighbouring countries to enforce the bans effectively...

Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng ... said approximately 92,000 migrant workers who returned from Thailand tested negative for coronavirus.

..., 68 Cambodians were arrested in Thailand’s Sa Keo province for illegally crossing the border. Among them are 37 men, 25 women and six children.

Moeun Tola, executive director of the Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights said workers are bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 lockdowns and movement restrictions as they struggle to make ends meet while hunkered down in their homes.

“When people have no income but must spend what they have to sustain their daily needs, worries about social distancing and stay-at-home orders take the backseat and looking for a job takes precedence,” he said, as he urged the government to intervene and provide assistance to the workers who have lost their source of income.