Thailand issues ID cards for Myanmar refugees

Thailand has begun issuing identification cards to thousands of Myanmar nationals who fled conflict and are living in temporary shelters along the border.

The programme, launched on Wednesday in Ratchaburi province, is designed to provide verified registration data for displaced persons granted special permission to remain in the kingdom. Officials say the cards will help refugees access government services while strengthening national security.

The ceremony was presided over by Narucha Kosasitwilai, Director‑General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), alongside Ratchaburi Governor Thitilak Kampha and UNHCR representative Tammi Lynn Sharpe. Narucha stressed that Thailand has offered humanitarian assistance to those fleeing violence since 1984, but accurate records are now essential for effective population management.

Under new regulations, the cards will serve as proof of identity when contacting government agencies, requesting services or presenting official permits. UNHCR has provided financial support for their production, describing the initiative as vital for dignity, resilience and access to healthcare, employment and communication.

Narucha emphasised that the cards are strictly for registration and monitoring purposes. They do not confer Thai citizenship or nationality rights. “The primary purpose is to verify identities and ensure order while upholding humanitarian principles,” he said.

The move reflects Thailand’s balancing act between humanitarian obligations and security concerns. For refugees, the cards represent a step towards greater independence and stability in daily life, even as their future in the country remains uncertain.

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-2026-06-19