Thailand granting work rights to long-term Myanmar refugees

By Admin 27 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

27 August 2025, Sittwe

The Thai government has reportedly decided to allow Myanmar refugees living long term in refugee camps in Thailand to work legally.

The Thai government on August 26 approved a proposal from the Ministry of Labour to provide work opportunities to Myanmar nationals who have been living in refugee camps for extended periods of time. Regulations are reportedly being drafted in accordance with the relevant departments and government guidelines.

"I think we will have to wait for the release of detailed information about work permits, such as what information is required, how to apply, and what industries are allowed to work in," said a Karen refugee in Thailand.

Tens of thousands of residents of Kayin (Karen) State, as well as Mon and Kayah (Karenni) states fled to the Thai side in the mid-1980s and 1990s due to the fighting between the Myanmar military and the Karen National Union. The Thai government, in collaboration with international organisations, opened nine main refugee camps for the refugees.

Civil society organisations in Thailand say the decision to grant legal work permits applies to those living in the nine refugee camps and it is not yet clear whether those who fled Myanmar after the 2021 military coup are included.

"As far as we know, priority will be given to those who have been living in these refugee camps for at least 10 years and are allowed to work legally. For those who fled after the Myanmar military took power, there will still be challenges in terms of housing, food, and not being arrested," said a man from a Myanmar social organisation in Thailand.

According to the Thai government, there are approximately 80,000 displaced people from Myanmar in the nine refugee camps as of August 15, 2025, and approximately 47 percent of them were born in these camps.

Of these, it is initially estimated that about 42,000 people will seek employment, with a work permit period of one year, and those who want to work will be required to undergo a health examination.

"The Thai government is currently facing a challenge regarding labour demand. So, I think the Thai government is addressing the labour demand while also approving the issue of allowing Myanmar refugees to work legally," said a Myanmar woman living in Mae Sot, Thailand.

The Cambodian government has announced that more than 140,000 Cambodians working in Thailand have returned to their homeland due to security concerns following the recent border conflict with Thailand.

The departure of Cambodian workers has led to a shortage of workers in Thailand's agriculture, livestock, and construction sectors, with many speculating that the Thai government hopes Myanmar nationals in the refugee camps can address this need.