In a ceremony in front of the Aranyaprathet District Office, the migrant workers were deported into the arms of Cambodian immigration officials from Poipet, the border town on the Cambodian side of the border.

The Thai authorities orchestrated the elaborate show to express their sincerity about proceeding in accordance with humanitarian principles. They said they wanted to boost confidence ahead of the Asean Economic Community, which both Thailand and Cambodia will find themselves a part of in a few months.

Bon said he was pleased that the Thai officials had dealt with the Cambodian workers in a respectful manner. He also said he would urgently inform other Cambodians who wanted to work in Thailand that they should obtain proper border passes and legally register with the Thai authorities.