Report Thailand Faces Pressure to Allow Work Rights for Refugees

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Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

As financial backing dwindles, calls for displaced persons in Thailand to gain the right to work grow stronger. Nine refugee camps, sheltering those fleeing Myanmar’s civil unrest, are at risk with US funding for key agencies, the Border Consortium (TBC) and International Rescue Committee (IRC), due to end this month.

 

Urgent Advocacy for Change

 

Kannavee Suebsang, MP for the Fair Party, emphasises the need for displaced persons to contribute economically. "Legal employment will turn a burden into a force for progress," he asserts. With US cuts slashing TBC’s budget by 40 million baht and IRC's healthcare fund by 14 million baht from August, the sustainability of support services for 100,000 refugees hangs in the balance.

 

Support from Grassroots and Advocacy Groups

 

A petition, “Request for an Opportunity for Refugees in Temporary Shelters to Emerge as a Quality Workforce,” has been signed by a dozen border-focused organisations. These include the Karen Refugee Committee and the Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF). They argue for pilot employment projects to enable self-sufficiency among displaced persons, many of whom regard Thailand as their only home.

 

The petition highlights the potential of refugees to bolster Thailand’s ageing workforce, recommending streamlined processes for employment, language training, and simplified refugee registration.

 

Government's Stance and Legislative Hurdles

 

While the National Security Council (NSC) acknowledges the value in making refugees self-reliant, it sees employment as a medium-term goal. Immediate priorities focus on ensuring continued humanitarian aid, assessing financial needs with the Interior and Public Health Ministries.

 

The NSC suggests that amendments to refugee work laws could allow camp closures, leaving only vulnerable individuals in need. In contrast, Migrant Working Group coordinator Adisorn Keadmongkol proposes utilising existing laws to grant work rights, asserting no threat to Thai jobs due to labour shortages and emphasising that refugees do not form part of Myanmar’s military conflict.

 

Healthcare Challenges Amid Funding Cuts

 

With the IRC’s withdrawal, the Public Health Ministry will take over medical services from August 1. Dr Worawit Tantiwattanasap, of Umphang Hospital, stresses the need for consistent funding to address public health and humanitarian needs, given the risk of disease spread from camp conditions.

 

Infectious disease expert Dr Nuttagarn Chuenchom stresses the importance of retaining experienced medical staff to maintain the camps' complex healthcare networks.

 

As Thailand grapples with dwindling support and increasing pressure to integrate refugees into the economy, the call for a bold shift in policy grows more urgent. Whether the government will act swiftly to harness the potential of its displaced population remains to be seen.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-08-01

 

[black tabby12345]

Hiring those Burmese work here, looks a lot more practical than to bring in  those from Sri Lanka.

 

They are already here; no fly-in costs.

Having Thai language skills; if educated at their camp

schools.

More familiar with Thai culture than migrant workers from alien land.

 

[J Branche]

Its definitely a complex situation.

In US a refugee who enters legally has a right to work.

 

I'm not sure how the Refugees in Thailand are entering the country.

 

Next what jobs are available?

Are there Thai's who can work these jobs?

Do the Refugees have the skills to work the available jobs?

What type of Visa are they given if any?

If they are no longer employed will they need to leave the country?

 

Article mentioned August 1st so seems like they need to make some quick, tough decisions about housing, food, medical and schooling for any of the Refugees.