Short of staff at your factory, farm or construction site? Get ready to recruit Cambodian workers legally when the border reopens
Once recruitment reopens, we prepare the employer documents, file the employment demand and coordinate with the Cambodian side until the workers start work.
Chat on LINE — free advice Call 093-541-6444
⚠️ Latest status (October 2026): The Thai government is currently not accepting new Cambodian workers, and the Thai–Cambodian border checkpoints remain closed, so new groups of Cambodian workers cannot be recruited at this time. Message us on LINE to be notified when recruitment reopens, or ask us about Lao / Myanmar workers as an alternative.
What is MOU recruitment from Cambodia?
It is the employment of Cambodian nationals through the labour agreement between Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia, known as the MOU (government-to-government recruitment). The employer files an employment demand through the provincial employment office, the Cambodian side selects workers through licensed recruitment agencies, and the workers then enter Thailand with a passport and a work visa.
Cambodian workers are commonly employed in eastern Thailand and provinces near the border, in agriculture, fruit orchards, factories, construction and food processing.
⚠️ Before planning recruitment: the situation along the Thai–Cambodian border may affect checkpoint openings and workers’ travel times. We will give you the latest status before you apply.
Who is this service for?
- Employers who need a new group of Cambodian workers (once recruitment reopens)
- Employers whose Cambodian MOU employees have completed 4 years and who want to recruit a new round
- Seasonal employers (such as fruit orchards) who need to plan their workforce in advance
Documents to prepare
From the employer
- Copy of the employer’s ID card, or company certificate + copy of the director’s ID card (for juristic persons)
- Copy of the house registration or business address
- Map and photos of the workplace and workers’ accommodation
- Business operating licence (if any)
- Power of attorney (if an agent submits on your behalf)
Employment documents (we help prepare these)
- Application form for notifying the demand to employ foreign workers
- Demand Letter
- Letter appointing an agent on the Cambodian side
- Employment contract in the prescribed form
From the worker (handled on the Cambodian side)
- Cambodian passport
- Overseas employment certificate as required by the Cambodian authorities
- Photos and health check results as required
Recruitment steps
- Consultation and assessment — confirm the number of workers, positions, qualifications and start date
- File the employment demand — at the provincial employment office where the business is located
- Send the Demand Letter to Cambodia — recruitment agencies on the Cambodian side select workers and send the name list
- Apply for work permits on the workers’ behalf — and pay the fees
- The Cambodian side prepares the workers’ documents — passports, certificates and work visa applications at the Thai embassy/consulate
- Workers travel to Thailand — through the designated checkpoint, attend pre-employment training and have a health check
- Start work — receive work permits, file the employment notification, the TM.30 (accommodation notification) and social security registration
Costs
| Item | Government fee | Service fee |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit application fee | 100 THB/person | — |
| 2-year work permit fee | 1,800 THB/person | — |
| Visa fee for MOU workers | 500 THB/person | — |
| Health check / health insurance | At the hospital’s rate / depends on the plan | — |
| Cambodian-side document costs | At the Cambodian authorities’ rates | — |
Service fees depend on the number of workers and documents — ask us on LINE for a free quote.
The 500 THB visa fee follows the ministerial regulation reducing fees for MOU workers of 4 nationalities, in effect from November 2023 (B.E. 2566) for 4 years (Source: Department of Employment)
Frequently asked questions
How long does recruiting Cambodian workers take?
It depends on the queue on the Cambodian side, the checkpoint situation and how ready the documents are. Ask us on LINE for a time estimate.
If the border checkpoint is closed, can workers still enter?
It depends on which checkpoints are open and the channels designated by the authorities at the time. We will tell you the options and adjust the plan.
Can I recruit Cambodian workers for a fruit orchard?
Yes. Agricultural work is a type of work for which MOU workers can be recruited. We recommend applying well before the season.
How many years can Cambodian workers work?
2 years initially, renewable for another 2 years, up to 4 years in total → See MOU 2-year renewal
What does a Cambodian employee need to do before going home on leave?
Get a Re-entry Permit before leaving Thailand, otherwise their visa will be cancelled → See our Re-entry Permit service
Can Cambodian workers change employer?
Yes, in the cases permitted by law, and it must be done correctly → See our change of employer service
Related services
- MOU recruitment (overview)
- MOU 2-year renewal: work permit + visa
- Employment notification
- Health checks for migrant workers
- Health insurance for migrant workers
Plan your workforce before the season arrives
Let Best Friend Visa recruit Cambodian workers legally, handling every step, once the border reopens.
Chat on LINE — free advice Call 093-541-6444
Last updated: 17 October 2026 — regulations may change; please check with our staff before proceeding.