What Drives Cambodian Exodus From Their Money in Thailand? Will They Come Back?

Decoding unprecedented exodus of the Cambodian between May and August 2025, escalating border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in historical territorial disputes and fueled by nationalist sentiments, prompted significant migration shifts, with Cambodian nationals returning from Thailand due to violence, economic disruptions, and tightened border controls. This report examines these conflicts, compiles data on returnees and irregular entries from official sources like the International Organization for Migration and immigration bureaus, analyzes socio-economic and political drivers such as labor market conditions and conflict impacts, explores correlations between arrests and returns, and forecasts future migration trends based on current data and anticipated policy changes.