PHNOM PENH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong met on Tuesday with visiting Permanent Secretary and Acting Minister of Thai Foreign Ministry Sihasak Phuangketkeow to discuss cooperation over migrant workers.
More than 250,000 Cambodian migrant workers, mostly undocumented, fled Thailand last month at rumors that the Thai junta would arrest and deport illegal foreign workers.
"We had discussed ways in order to enable Cambodian returnees to go back to work in Thailand legally," Hor Namhong said at a joint press briefing after the meeting.
He said since early last month, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry has asked for Thailand's working visas for more than 13,000 Cambodian workers to go back to work in Thailand.
During the mass exodus of workers last month, Hor Namhong said, the Thai authorities arrested 14 Cambodian workers, who were accused of using fraudulent work documents, and prepared to bring them to court.
The detained workers were also victims of human trafficking because they asked a ringleader to do work permits for them, but the ringleader used fake stamps on their work documents, he said.
"Through Sihasak, I would like to ask the Thai authorities to have understanding on this matter," he said.
Sihasak said Thailand has seen foreign migrant workers as an important labor force for the development of the Thai economy and Thailand will facilitate Cambodian workers to return to work in Thailand legally.
"In the past, it needs up to three days for Cambodian workers to get a Thai visa, but now, we have reduced the time to only one day to obtain the visa," he said.
In the meeting, both sides also agreed to further promote bilateral trade and enhance security along the border.
Sihasak arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday morning for a two-day visit. He is scheduled to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday afternoon.
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