You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

June 30, 2025

Cambodia Updates Procedures for Resolving Individual Labor Disputes

Subscribe to Updates

On March 4, 2025, Cambodia’s Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) issued Prakas No. 073/25 on Procedures for Resolving Individual Labor Disputes, replacing Prakas No. 318 on the same topic from 2001 and introducing significant changes to how individual labor disputes are filed, processed, and escalated.

In addition, Prakas No. 073 outlines the roles and responsibilities of labor inspectors, the process for filing and handling complaints, and the steps for conciliation and further legal recourse, as described below.

Filing a Complaint

Any party to an individual labor dispute can file a complaint with the Labor Dispute Department of the MLVT or the Department of Labor at the capital or provincial level. Upon receiving a complaint, a labor inspector will review the case and may initiate either conciliation or a labor inspection. Invitation letters will be issued to the disputing parties to provide relevant information and documents.

Conciliation Process

Prakas No. 073 places strong emphasis on the conciliation process, introducing strict procedural rules and deadlines with clear consequences for noncompliance:

  • If the claimant fails to provide required information within the specified deadline (or within three working days thereafter without reasonable excuse), the complaint is deemed void.
  • If the respondent fails to attend the conciliation meeting within the deadline (or within three working days thereafter without reasonable excuse), the conciliation is considered unsuccessful, and the respondent is deemed guilty as claimed.

Once all necessary information is gathered, a labor inspector will invite both parties to a joint conciliation meeting, which must be held within three weeks of the complaint being received.

  • If the claimant fails to attend the meeting or sign the minutes without a reasonable excuse, the complaint is void.
  • If the respondent fails to attend the meeting without a reasonable excuse, the conciliation is unsuccessful, and the respondent is deemed guilty as claimed.

If conciliation fails, the parties may jointly request further reconciliation by the MLVT within two working days. The MLVT may appoint or change the conciliator. If this second attempt fails, no further reconciliation may be requested, and the parties must proceed with a different dispute resolution mechanism.

Referral to Arbitration Councils

During the conciliation, either party may request referral of the matter to the Arbitration Council, an independent, national institution empowered to assist in resolving labor disputes. In such a case, the labor inspector must report this within two working days to the minister of the MLVT, who will then refer the case to the Arbitration Council within three working days (except for complaints deemed void).

Conclusion

Prakas No. 073 introduces a structured and time-bound framework for resolving individual labor disputes, emphasizing prompt conciliation, clear procedural requirements, and defined avenues for further legal action. It aims to enhance the efficiency and fairness of dispute resolution, particularly in individual labor cases.

Related Professionals

Practices

Employment

Location

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

November 24, 2021
Attorneys from Tilleke & Gibbins have provided the latest update to the Thailand contribution to Doing Business in…, a Q&A-style guide published by Thomson Reuters Practical Law that presents an overview of the legal framework for doing business in 63 jurisdictions worldwide. The Thailand chapter of the guide outlines Thailand’s legal system and key laws applicable to foreign companies doing business in the country. The chapter specifically covers the following main topics: Legal system: Thailand’s court system and codified legal system. Foreign investment: Lists of reserved business activities, restrictions on doing business with certain jurisdictions, exchange controls and currency regulations, and grants and incentives available to investors. Business vehicles: Ordinary partnerships, registered ordinary partnerships, limited partnerships, private limited companies, and public companies. Environment: Main laws and regulations, factory operation. Employment: Laws, employment contract requirements, work permits, and termination and redundancy. Tax: Taxes on employment, tax and nontax resident employees and businesses, corporate income tax, value added tax, special business tax, municipal tax, stamp duty, dividends, interest, intellectual property royalties. Competition: Important aspects of Thailand’s regulatory regime surrounding competition, centered around the updated Trade Competition Act. Antibribery and corruption: Laws, compliance requirements, regulatory authority. Intellectual property: Patents, trademarks, registered and unregistered designs, and copyright. Marketing agreements and advertising: Regulation of marketing agreements, Thailand’s Consumer Protection Act, direct marketing, role of the Consumer Protection Board and Food and Drug Administration. E-commerce: E-commerce laws and regulations, marketing and sales via online platforms. Data protection: An outline of Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act. Product liability: Procedures and regulations for product liability and product safety, including the Unsafe Goods Liability Act and the Consumer Case Procedure Act. Product liability: Key regulatory authorities for trade competition, environmental issues, and financial services. To browse, download, or print the Thailand chapter, please visit the Practical Law website.
Read More
October 25, 2021
Michael Ramirez, a counsel in Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution group in Bangkok, has updated the firm’s contribution to the Global Attorney-Client Privilege Guide, published by Lex Mundi. The newly expanded guide provides information on what constitutes attorney-client privilege in over 70 countries around the world. The Thailand section of the guide contains in-depth information on the function and applications of attorney-client privilege in Thailand (or, as explained in the guide, an equivalent concept enshrined in Thai law), including coverage of the following topics: Privilege in corporations Common interest doctrine Litigation funding Crime-fraud exception Work product doctrine/litigation privilege Other privileges including mediation, accountant-client and settlement negotiation The interactive guide features expert contributions by Lex Mundi member firms from jurisdictions worldwide. Readers can browse the contributions, generate country-specific reports, and compare attorney-client privilege in multiple jurisdictions. For more information, please visit the Lex Mundi website.
Read More
October 14, 2021
As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2021. This guide outlines all of the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: Investment incentives Financial facilities Exchange controls Import and export regulations Structures for doing business Requirements for the Establishment of a Business Operation of the Business Cessation or Termination of the Business Labor legislation, relations, and supply Tax Immigration requirements This publication is part of Lex Mundi’s Guides to Doing Business series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource when planning an international business strategy or researching a new market.
Read More
September 13, 2021
Businesses in Vietnam recognize the need to vaccinate their workers in order to keep their factories and workplaces open. In this article, we explore whether employers may require their employees to be vaccinated, as well as associated disclosure and privacy issues under Vietnamese law.
Read More