Renewed military clashes along the volatile Cambodia-Thailand border have forced hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to flee their homes and seek safety, according to the latest reports from Philippine authorities.
Hundreds of Filipino Workers Forced to Evacuate
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) disclosed that more than 300 OFWs have been affected and displaced by the escalating conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations. In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac provided a detailed breakdown of the numbers.
He reported that a total of 315 Filipino workers are impacted, with the majority—259 individuals—located in Thailand. Another 56 OFWs are in Cambodia. "Right now, they are staying in evacuation centers or some of them are being sheltered by Pinoy citizens in safer grounds," Cacdac stated, assuring the public that all affected Filipinos are currently safe and receiving assistance.
No Immediate Plans for Repatriation
Despite the dangerous situation, Secretary Cacdac revealed that the displaced workers are not currently seeking to return to the Philippines. "They are just waiting. They are not necessarily asking to be or wanting to be repatriated," he explained during the briefing.
The DMW head expressed optimism that the workers could resume their livelihoods once tensions subside. "Obviously, when the situation subsides, they may be able to go back to their respective jobs," Cacdac added. This stance highlights the economic reliance of many OFWs on their employment abroad, even in the face of regional instability.
Background of the Border Conflict
The displacement follows a significant escalation in a long-standing border dispute. On Tuesday, December 18, 2025, Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced that Cambodian soldiers had launched counterattacks against Thai forces after more than 24 hours of holding their fire.
The Thai army confirmed that the renewed fighting turned deadly, with two more Thai soldiers killed on Tuesday. This brought the total death toll for Thai forces to three in the latest round of conflict. Earlier reports from December 9, 2025, described Cambodian villagers fleeing their homes near the border to find shelter in Siem Reap province.
The DMW continues to monitor the situation closely, given the substantial Filipino community in both countries. Official records indicate there are approximately 10,000 OFWs in Cambodia and 40,000 in Thailand, making their welfare a top priority for the Philippine government during this international crisis.
