{
  "id": 1889553,
  "title": "Cambodia blames border closure as 3 factories shut, nearly 4,000 workers affected",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/cambodia-blames-border-closure-as-3-factories-shut-nearly-4-000",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T07:25:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2026/08/19/cambodia-blames-border-closure-as-3-factories-shut-nearly-4000-workers-affected/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - The closure of three factories in Banteay Meanchey province due to soaring transportation costs and falling orders from disrupted Thailand-Cambodia border trade has severely impacted nearly 4,000 workers, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. Two factories, ML Intimate Apparel (Cambodia) and Hi-Tech, have already ceased operations, while Nidec Die-casting Cambodia will shut down in October. The ministry confirmed that all workers have received their required wages and benefits per Cambodian labor law and will continue to oversee the closure of the third factory to ensure compliance. The ministry spokesperson, Sun Mesa, regretted the closures, attributing them to sudden and significant transportation cost increases stemming from Thailand's unilateral border closure. Prior to the disruptions, factories in Banteay Meanchey could deliver goods to Thai production facilities in just one to two hours; however, transportation costs have skyrocketed, compelling companies to reroute goods through Cambodian sea routes or even utilize air freight. The ministry is actively assisting affected workers in finding new employment through the National Employment Agency and provincial labor authorities, and is also arranging transportation to new workplaces. Additionally, Cambodia is actively recruiting workers from similar industries, with job openings currently reaching over 90,000 across the nation. The ministry also offers free vocational training at 32 technical and vocational schools throughout the country, providing a pathway for workers to transition careers.",
  "summary": "PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Three factories in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province have closed or are preparing to shut down as soaring transportation costs and falling orders linked to disruptions along the Thailand-Cambodia border put pressure on businesses, Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training said. The closures affect nearly 4,000 workers. ML Intimate Apparel (Cambodia), […] The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}