As Cambodian workers continue to stream illegally across the border to work in Thailand, the two countries are set to sign twin agreements to combat the issue when Prime Minister Hun Sen visits Thailand on Friday.

During the visit, held to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries will sign one memorandum of understanding on “labour cooperation” and another agreement on the employment of workers.

Specifics about the agreements are not currently available, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry.

However, Som Chit, deputy police chief of the border province of Banteay Meanchey, said he expected the agreements to help ensure the safety of migrants and provide more legal avenues for those who wish to work in Thailand.

According to provincial records, some 55,000 Cambodian migrant workers have been repatriated to Cambodia for crossing the border illegally so far this year.

“Every day there are Cambodian migrant workers crossing illegally to work in Thailand being repatriated by the Thai authorities, even though we explain to them that it is risky to work there illegally through brokers,” said Chit.