Nearly 150 Cambodian workers were sent back to Cambodia from Thailand after illegally crossing the border in search of employment.

Of the 149, 135 were sent back through Battambang province’s Kamrieng district late on Tuesday evening, according to Puth Lorn, deputy director of Cambodia-Thailand border communications at the Dong border checkpoint.

He added that most of the workers were from Battambang, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham and Banteay Meanchey provinces, with only 15 having passports or Thai work permits.

“They were freed to return home, after they were educated about the effects of illegal migration,” Lorn added.

The remaining 14 were sent back from the checkpoint in Battambang’s Sampov Loun district, again with only a warning, according to Chhun Lun, deputy director of border communications at the Phnom Dey checkpoint.