The European Union has unveiled a €15 million programme to support Myanmar displaced persons living in Thailand, marking one of its most significant commitments to refugee assistance in the region.

Announced in Bangkok on 20 April, the initiative — Supporting Thailand’s Transition to Self-Reliance & Inclusion — aims to help more than 80,000 people in long-standing shelters along the Thai‑Myanmar border. It focuses on self‑reliance, social inclusion and access to essential services, as Thailand moves towards policies allowing displaced persons to work legally and use national services.

EU Ambassador Luisa Ragher signed the agreement with UNHCR, the International Rescue Committee and Expertise France. She said the programme was designed to empower displaced persons to become “active contributors to society” while strengthening healthcare, child protection and livelihood opportunities.

The funding, increased from €12 million to €15 million for the 2026–2028 period, will be channelled into three main projects. A €10.5 million scheme led by the International Rescue Committee will focus on services and employment readiness in shelters. Expertise France will run a €2 million healthcare initiative in Tak province, while UNHCR will oversee a €2.5 million programme centred on child protection and inclusion in national systems.

Thai officials welcomed the support. Pinsuda Jayanama, director‑general of the Department of International Organizations, said the timing was crucial as Thailand shifts towards a more inclusive approach. UNHCR’s representative in Thailand, Tammi Sharpe, added that the programme would strengthen protection systems and ensure a “safe and dignified transition” for displaced persons.

Thailand currently hosts more than 80,000 Myanmar nationals in nine shelters across Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces, with thousands more living outside. Many fled conflict and instability in Myanmar over the past decades. Recent policy changes allowing legal employment are seen as a turning point, offering a path towards sustainable livelihoods.

The EU’s initiative comes as international agencies stress the importance of long‑term solutions. Beyond immediate relief, the programme seeks to build resilience, improve coordination between humanitarian groups and Thai authorities, and ensure that displaced persons are not left behind as Thailand develops.

With global rights organisations warning of rising authoritarianism and shrinking space for civil society, the EU’s move is also framed as a signal of continued international engagement in Southeast Asia. For the thousands living along the border, it represents a rare chance to move from dependency towards self‑reliance.

-2026-04-23

How generous ! That is a whopping 0,0166 % of the recent 90 billion

going to ukraine and its oligarchs.

Hope there's some accountability

10 hours ago, garzhe said:

Hope there's some accountability

Exactly. I used to be an interpreter in the Lao camps in Ubon. Approx 50% kept by Thai officials.