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Refugees

Thailand Approves Measures Allowing Refugees from Myanmar to Work Legally

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thailand has announced a major policy shift, allowing refugees from Myanmar who have been living in temporary shelters along the border for decades to work legally in the country. The Thai Cabinet has endorsed two draft announcements, one granting permission for refugees to live outside designated controlled areas and another authorizing them to take up employment under special arrangements. This move is welcomed by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as a turning point in refugee protection and self-reliance, potentially benefiting thousands of displaced persons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thai government estimates that about 42,000 work permits could be made available under the new scheme, allowing refugees to live and work outside designated controlled areas.
  • Thailand currently hosts 77,718 displaced persons from Myanmar in nine temporary shelters, with around 47% of the population born inside the camps.
  • The new framework requires refugees to apply for permission to leave their camps, undergo health checks, and register for either social security or health insurance.
  • Work permits will be valid for one year, with the first permit exempt from fees.
  • Employment is open in all sectors except those legally restricted to foreigners, with UNHCR stating that the resolution comes at a critical moment.
  • If fully implemented, Thailand's policy will set a new regional benchmark for a sustainable, rights-based refugee solution.

Statistics:

  • Thailand hosts 77,718 displaced persons from Myanmar in nine temporary shelters (as of 15 August 2025).
  • Around 47% of the displaced population was born inside the camps.
  • The estimated number of work permits that could be made available under the new scheme is 42,000.
  • The new framework requires refugees to undergo health checks and register for either social security or health insurance.
  • Work permits will be valid for one year.

Sources:

  • UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR):

+ Statement on the Thai government's policy shift, allowing refugees from Myanmar to work legally in the country.

+ Tammi Sharpe, UNHCR's Representative in Thailand, quoted in the article describing the move as transformative.

  • Ministry of Labour, Thailand:

+ Number of displaced persons from Myanmar hosted in temporary shelters (77,718 as of 15 August 2025).

+ Overview of the new framework for refugees to apply for permission to leave their camps, undergo health checks, and register for social security or health insurance.

  • News article (no specific date mentioned).

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