On 28 October 2026, representatives from the Royal Thai Government (RTG), UNHCR, the Committee for Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand (CCSDPT), and other stakeholders gathered at Asis Hotel in Bangkok to review the first year of Thailand’s policy allowing refugees from Myanmar residing in nine temporary shelters to work in Thailand.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on progress, discuss challenges, and explore ways to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and sustainable transition to employment.
Arthorn (Art) Srikeeratikarn, TBC Thailand Programme Director and Chair of CCSDPT, delivered the opening speech on behalf of CCSDPT, highlighting the importance of refugee employment opportunities and continued collaboration.
In his opening remarks, he stated:
Today, It’s a great honour to speak on behalf of the Committee for Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand (CCSDPT) on the occasion of the first anniversary of Thailand’s policy allowing refugees from Myanmar residing in the nine temporary shelters to work in Thailand. Today’s meeting is not only an opportunity to review the progress made over the past year, but also an important for us to consider together how we can ensure that this transition is smooth, inclusive, and sustainable.
Arthorn (Art) Srikeeratikarn
I would also like to thank employers and Thai communities for opening their workplaces and communities to refugees. These opportunities allow refugees to apply their knowledge and skills to earn an income and support their families. They also enable refugees to contribute to Thailand’s social and economic development, helping to shift the perception of refugees from a “burden to a contribution.”
On behalf of CCSDPT, I would like to once again express my sincere appreciation to the Royal Thai Government for its leadership, thanks to the heads of the temporary shelters for working closely with refugee communities; and to employers and local communities for opening employment opportunities to refugees. And thank to the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour for their efforts to facilitate refugees’ access to fair employment.
