A new migrant rehabilitation centre in Poipet town is more than one third complete. The centre will serve the interests of migrant workers, especially the victims of human trafficking, by providing vocational training, officials said.

Secretary of state for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Nhek Vannara said that he – along with several colleagues and the Thai ambassador – had inspected the site last week.

“The Poipet Rehabilitation Centre will be used to increase our comfort in providing safety to migrant workers. Our team highlighted several ways in which we can accelerate construction and get the centre operating as soon as possible,” he added.

He said that while touring the site, the Thai ambassador to Cambodia Cherdkiat Atthakor announced that Thailand had accepted a request by Cambodia to train staff for the centre. The training would begin in March and run until August.

He also said that Cherdkiat would provide hope to many victims of trafficking.

Minister of Social Affairs Vong Soth said the establishment of shelters to help the victims of cross-border trafficking is very important. The centre will welcome Cambodian citizens who are deported by Thai authorities, and provide them with a safe place to stay and training opportunities.

According to a ministry report, construction began in August 2022. It is scheduled to be completed in August this year, at a cost of over $2.3 million.