UNHCR Commends Thai Government for Allowing Myanmar Refugees to Work Legally in Thailand

Historic decision marks a “turning point” for 81,000 forcibly displaced people living in temporary shelters along Thai-Myanmar border

📅 August 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand News Report 📄 Official Source

🤝 Historic Humanitarian Decision
Thailand opens legal employment opportunities for Myanmar refugees
A major step forward for refugee rights and economic integration

BANGKOK, THAILAND – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on August 26, 2025, welcomed a groundbreaking new resolution by the Thai government that will allow long-staying refugees from Myanmar to work legally in Thailand, marking a historic turning point in regional refugee policy.

Speaking on August 27, Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced the Cabinet’s decision made on August 26, approving the Ministry of Labor’s proposal on employment of forcibly displaced foreign nationals in temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border. This landmark decision will allow refugees to be legally employed in Thailand, significantly contributing to the development of the Thai economy.

Key Statistics

81,000

Total displaced people in shelters

77,718

Current refugees (as of Aug 15)

42,601

Working-age refugees

Temporary shelters

According to UNHCR, approximately 81,000 forcibly displaced people are currently hosted in temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border, where many have been living in camps for decades. This population represents one of the world’s most protracted refugee situations.

“By unlocking the potential of these individuals, Thailand is not only upholding humanitarian principles but also making a strategic investment in its own future.”

— Tammi Sharpe, UNHCR Representative in Thailand

The UNHCR’s Representative in Thailand, Tammi Sharpe, described the Thai government’s decision as a major “turning point.” She emphasized that the policy would not only help refugees support themselves but also benefit local economies and strengthen Thailand’s long-term growth.

Government Response and Rationale

Mr. Jirayu pointed out that the Thai government has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to forcibly displaced people who fled conflicts in Myanmar. However, financial contributions from international and non-governmental organizations have dwindled, resulting in an increasing burden on the Government in caring for these refugees.

The Cabinet’s approval grants special permission for this group of refugees to stay and work in the country, enabling them to support themselves and their families while easing the Government’s financial burden, strengthening economic development, promoting human rights, and addressing labor shortages.

Regional Impact and International Implications

Although the new resolution covers a limited number of refugees initially, the UN agency stated it would continue to advocate for wider refugee inclusion, offering support to the Thai government in rolling out the new measures. This move comes at a critical time when aid budgets for displaced people worldwide are facing severe cuts.

The UN agency believes that Thailand’s initiative could set a regional precedent for sustainable, rights-based refugee policies and serve as a model for countries facing similar challenges across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Shelter Locations

As of August 15, 2025, nine temporary shelters for Myanmar displaced people are located across four Thai provinces:

Mae Hong Son Tak Kanchanaburi Ratchaburi

Economic and Social Benefits

The policy represents a paradigm shift from purely humanitarian assistance to sustainable integration, recognizing refugees as contributors to economic growth rather than solely beneficiaries of aid. This approach aligns with global best practices in refugee management and integration.

Expected Impact Areas

Economic Growth: Refugees can contribute skills and labor to address Thailand’s workforce shortages
Self-Reliance: Refugees gain dignity and independence through legal employment opportunities
Reduced Aid Dependency: Decreased reliance on international humanitarian funding
Human Rights: Enhanced protection and recognition of refugee rights
Regional Stability: Sets positive precedent for neighboring countries
Local Community Benefits: Economic boost to border regions and local economies

International Recognition and Support

The international community has long advocated for such progressive policies. This decision demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees principles of responsibility-sharing and comprehensive responses to refugee situations.

The timing of this announcement is particularly significant as it comes amid growing global displacement and shrinking humanitarian budgets, making sustainable solutions more critical than ever.