by Gregory

After more than 40 years in camps, thousands of refugees see the prospect of long-awaited change. Karen refugee: ‘I have never seen my homeland’ and ‘if Thailand allowed us to work legally, everything would change’. A workforce that could also help fill the gap left by Cambodians following clashes on the border. New air raids by the junta in Shan State.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - After more than 40 years of living in uncertainty, thousands of Burmese refugees in camps on the Thai border are beginning to see a long-awaited change.

The Bangkok government has recently shown an openness towards granting work permits to long-time residents of the centres and to young newcomers who have fled the compulsory military conscription law in neighbouring Myanmar.

For many, this change represents much more than a simple bureaucratic reform: it is a sign of recognition of human dignity that has been trampled on for too long in years of uncertainty.

A new beginning

Among those who grew up behind the bamboo fences of the refugee camps is Eugene, a young Karen man who spent his entire childhood in one of Thailand's refugee settlements. Now 20, he dreams of a life outside the camp. ‘I was born here and have never seen my homeland again,’ Eugene tells AsiaNews.

‘If Thailand allowed us to work legally, everything would change. We could finally stand on our own two feet,’ he adds. His words reflect the silent hope of thousands of people born stateless, but who for years have been quietly contributing to Thailand's border economy and local communities.

Lifeline

In recent months, Thailand has also begun to allow many young people from Myanmar, fleeing conscription orders from the military junta, to remain in the country on student visas. Many are already studying at local Thai language or vocational schools, finding refuge and purpose while avoiding forced recruitment in their homeland, which has been marked by internal conflict following the military coup in February 2021.

Now that the government is preparing to issue work permits for blue-collar and labour categories, this young generation sees a new path to stability and dignity. One of these young people, Jerome, a 22-year-old from Yangon, said: "We came here to study because we didn't want to fight in the war. If we can work legally, we can live in peace and send money home. Thailand is giving us a second chance."

Compassion and cooperation

This new policy direction highlights Thailand's pragmatic and humanitarian approach to one of the region's longest-running refugee crises. For decades, the Thai people, particularly in border areas, have shown quiet generosity towards those seeking refuge from conflict. As Pope Leo XIV celebrates the Jubilee of Mission and Migrants, this development represents a promising and encouraging improvement, as well as a tangible reflection of mercy and solidarity towards those living on the margins of society.

However, critical factors remain: at the same time, international aid for refugees in Thailand is steadily declining. Major donors, such as USAID and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), have begun to reduce or withdraw their funding for refugee assistance programmes.

This has left many refugee families uncertain about food rations, healthcare and education. In this context, Bangkok's decision to offer job opportunities not only guarantees dignity, but also offers a path for refugee families to become self-sufficient and build an independent life after decades of dependence on external aid.

Meanwhile, due to recent tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and the return of Cambodian workers to their homeland, Thailand is facing a severe labour shortage in the economic and service sectors.

According to official government sources, more than 1.5 million Cambodian workers have left the country, creating a significant labour shortage.

This new initiative to allow refugees and migrants from Myanmar to work legally could thus help revitalise the Thai economy by filling the severe labour shortage and stimulating growth, while at the same time offering displaced persons the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

In the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, decent work is not only a source of income but an affirmation of human value. As the region faces ongoing unrest, the gesture by the authorities in Bangkok may represent a testimony of mercy in action, a silent and concrete compassion that restores hope to thousands of people who have known only displacement.

While new prospects are opening up for Burmese refugees abroad, fighting and devastation continue in Myanmar, even on holidays: the military junta carried out air strikes on the towns of Thibaw and Namtu in Shan State, controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), on one of the holiest days for Buddhists in the country.

Yesterday morning, the junta's air force launched simultaneous raids on the two cities, coinciding with Thadingyut Full Moon Day. The toll is dozens of homes destroyed and several injured, including a woman.

• Myanmar
• Thailand
• refugees
• displaced persons
• human rights
• young people
• reception
• border