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Refugees

Thai Government Urged to Allow Refugees to Work Legally

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Thai government has been urged to allow over 107,000 refugees to work legally, citing rising tensions due to decades of confinement. These refugees, mainly from the Karen and Karenni ethnic groups, have been living in Thailand since 1984, when they fled armed conflict in Myanmar. Despite international aid, the refugees have been forced to survive through dependence on NGOs, with many living in temporary shelters for up to 40 years. The Thai government is now being asked to approve a pilot program allowing refugees to work legally, recognizing their potential as a human resource for the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 107,000 refugees, mostly Karen and Karenni, remain in nine temporary shelters in Thailand, with more than 90,000 registered with the Ministry of Interior and/or UNHCR.
  • The refugees have been living in Thailand for over 40 years, with many born there or having lived there since early childhood, considering Thailand as their only true home.
  • The Thai government has been facilitating refugees' access to basic needs, but the policy of dependency without legal work permission has been unsustainable and has led to economic, environmental, and social tensions.
  • At least 40% of the refugees were born in Thailand or have lived here since early childhood, making Thailand their only true home.
  • The refugees have the potential to become a productive human resource for Thailand and the world, but they are currently not allowed to work legally, exposing both them and their employers to legal risks.
  • The border-based civil society organizations and allied networks are urging the Thai government to approve a pilot program to regulate the employment of refugees, allowing them to engage in daily commuting work within their local communities.
  • The management model for the initiative should be developed through consultations among government authorities, employers, local administrative organizations, humanitarian agencies, and refugee-led civil society actors in each locality, recognizing local contexts and labor demands may vary.
  • Regular short-term evaluations during the initial phase will be essential for improving the implementation model and may serve as a basis for future geographic expansion.
  • The employment system should be streamlined, with no fees imposed for the issuance of identity documents and work permits, to ensure refugees can access opportunities to contribute as part of the labor force.
  • Thai language proficiency should be recognized as a critical occupational skill and developed as an urgent priority to enhance the quality of human resources.
  • The government should collaborate with UNHCR to conduct a survey, screening, verification, and registration process for all refugees in temporary shelters who are not yet included in the system, to strengthen national security and administrative planning.

Statistics:

  • Over 107,502 refugees remain in nine temporary shelters in Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces.
  • More than 90,759 individuals have been registered with the Ministry of Interior and/or UNHCR.
  • At least 40% of the refugees were born in Thailand or have lived here since early childhood.
  • The refugees have been living in temporary shelters for up to 40 years, with some shelters existing for nearly 30 years.
  • The humanitarian organizations have announced that health services in 7 shelters and food aid in all shelters will cease after 31 July 2025.

Sources:

  • July 18 statement by 11 rights organizations
  • TBC, June 2025 statement regarding refugee registration
  • Ministry of Interior and/or UNHCR data on refugee registration
  • UNHCR and humanitarian organizations' announcements on cessation of health services and food aid

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