BATTAMBANG: Since the beginning of April 2022, many Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand have been rushing back to their hometowns for the Khmer New Year, through both legal and illegal methods, mostly through the O'Anlok border crossing in Ta Sen commune, Kamrieng District, Battambang Province.

Sources from authorities along the border have reported that a total of 455 Cambodian workers who returned home on Friday morning, including 186 women and 54 children, were quickly tested by doctors and all found to be negative for Covid-19.

Separately, 12 workers were sent to the Mondul Kilo 9 Quarantine center in Sampov Loun district with positive tests. Of the 443 workers who displayed the correct vaccination card, 21 children aged 5-18 were properly educated on how to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and allowed to return home.

This year, Khmer New Year will take place from 14-16 April. As always, many people flock back to their hometowns during this time to meet their families and relatives. This year, many are expected to travel across the country, also to visit various resorts, as the Royal Government has decided to re-open the country and allow celebrations after a two-year hiatus brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.