AKP Phnom Penh, May 14, 2025-–

The Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has sadly confirmed the deaths of two additional Cambodian migrant workers who were victims of the building collapse caused by the powerful earthquake that struck Bangkok, Thailand, on Mar. 28.

The two individuals have been identified as a married couple from Banteay Meanchey province: Mr. San Soeun, 38, and his wife, Mrs. Sok Kimsey, 31. Their bodies were recovered from the site of the collapsed building, as announced today in a press release from the ministry.

H.E. Sun Mesa, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, stated that the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Thailand and its Labour Affairs Attaché are working in close collaboration with Thai authorities to finalise the necessary procedures for the repatriation of the couple's remains to Cambodia, where they will be laid to rest according to traditional funeral customs.

The ministry is also actively pursuing and advocating for fair compensation to be provided to the bereaved families.

"Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training are deeply concerned by this tragic event," H.E. Sun Mesa conveyed.

"Our dedicated working group has been on the ground and continues its efforts to coordinate legal documentation and address other urgent needs to support our Cambodian workers."

He further emphasised that beyond the immediate concerns of repatriation and compensation, both the ministry and the Royal Government of Cambodia remain fully committed to providing ongoing assistance to the affected families and ensuring the overall welfare and protection of all Cambodian nationals working abroad.

With this latest confirmation, the total number of Cambodian workers who have tragically lost their lives in the aftermath of the earthquake in Thailand now stands at four, with two others having sustained injuries.

Since the devastating earthquake on Mar. 28, the Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Thailand, and the Labour Attaché Office have been actively engaged in continuous cooperation with Thai authorities and the Cambodian community residing in Thailand.

Their efforts have been focused on identifying any missing workers and providing timely and crucial support to the families who have been affected by this disaster.

By K. Rithy Reak