Bangkok: A new resolution by the Thai Government that will allow long-staying refugees from Myanmar to work legally in the country was welcomed on Tuesday by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, as a significant boost to the national economy. Some 81,000 forcibly displaced people are hosted in temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border where they have been living in the camps for decades. Nearly half the refugee population were born under canvas, where displaced families have largely depended on humanitarian assistance.
According to United Nations, over a million Rohingya, a mostly-Muslim minority from Myanmar, have fled conflict and persecution in multiple waves of displacement. The resolution is seen as a step towards allowing these individuals to support themselves and contribute to local economies, thereby strengthening Thailand's long-term growth. The UNHCR expressed optimism that this initiative could unlock the potential of these refugees, aligning humanitarian principles with strategic national interests.
Although the new resolution covers a limited number, the UN agency said it would continue to advocate for wider refugee inclusion, offering support to the Thai Government in rolling out the new policy. This development comes amid global aid budget cuts for displaced populations, highlighting the importance of sustainable, rights-based refugee policies.
For the UN agency, Thailand's move could set a regional precedent and serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges. The agency noted that $25.4 million is needed in 2025 to sustain operations covered by the Thailand-based international office, which also oversees operations in Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam.