The Department of Employment announced that, starting October 1, 2025, Myanmar refugees from nine temporary shelters in four provinces will be allowed to work in 43 provinces across Thailand. Out of 42,601 refugees of working age (18–59), around 12,000 are ready to begin work immediately. Employers have already registered a demand for 6,152 workers, with the greatest needs in the construction and industrial sectors.
On September 30, 2025, Mr. Pichet Thongpan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, said the measure follows a Cabinet resolution on August 26, 2025, and joint regulations issued by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labour.
The Department of Employment, together with the Department of Provincial Administration, has outlined six steps for employers and workers under this program:
Employers select workers from the shelters.
Employers submit names, workplaces, and employment duration to the provincial employment office, with supporting documents.
Employers request permission for workers to leave the shelters through district officials.
Workers report to the Department of Provincial Administration within 48 hours.
Workers undergo health checks and register for health insurance.
Workers apply for work permits at the provincial employment office in their designated area (valid for up to one year).
The initial application fee is 100 baht, while the work permit fee is waived. Renewals will cost 900 baht per year, plus a 100-baht application fee.
Jobs available to refugees must comply with occupations legally open to foreign workers, excluding 27 occupations reserved for Thai nationals, such as beauty services, Thai massage, and traditional handicrafts.
Of the 6,152 workers sought by employers, about 1,200 can be hired immediately. The top five sectors with the highest demand are:
Construction – 1,432 workers
Electronics manufacturing/distribution – 1,093 workers
Agriculture and livestock – 609 workers
Fisheries – 609 workers
Food and beverage – 403 workers
The nine shelters currently house 42,601 refugees, distributed as follows:
Mae Hong Son (4 shelters, 13,446 people): Ban Mai Nai Soi (3,813), Ban Mae Surin (1,046), Ban Mae Ma La Luang (4,840), Ban Mae La Oon (3,950)
Tak (3 shelters, 25,662 people): Ban Mae La (15,674), Ban Umpiem (5,253), Ban Nu Po (4,735)
Kanchanaburi (1 shelter, 954 people): Ban Tham Hin (954)
Ratchaburi (1 shelter, 2,336 people): Ban Tham Hin (2,336)
The Department of Employment believes the program will help ease Thailand’s labour shortages, particularly in construction, and compensate for the decline in Cambodian migrant workers. This initiative is part of a broader labour strategy that includes extending border employment (Section 64) for fruit-picking, registering undocumented workers, and bringing in workers from Sri Lanka under an MOU system.
“The programme is both a humanitarian measure and a practical solution,” Mr. Pichet said. “Refugees will gain dignity and income through employment, while employers will benefit from needed labour. If the pilot goes well, the scheme could be adjusted to better match workers’ skills and expanded further. But workers must follow the rules and respect the conditions of employment.”
The programme officially begins on October 1, 2025, with coordination available at provincial employment offices in Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Mae Hong Son.