# Thailand allows Myanmar refugees to work

> Thailand's new work program lets Myanmar refugees earn income after aid cuts.
- Title: Thailand allows Myanmar refugees to work · Dw | Shortify
- Summary: Thailand's new work program lets Myanmar refugees earn income after aid cuts. Thailand permits 6,800 Myanmar refugees to work outside camps to address labor…
- Keywords: thailand, myanmar, refugees, labor, work program, aid cuts, refugee camps, bangkok, news, world, politics, allows
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/we-don-t-have-to-wait-for-others-to-support-us-myanmar-refugees-find-hope-in-thailand-s-work-program/a-79697921?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: thailand, myanmar, refugees, labor, work program, aid cuts, refugee camps, bangkok, news, world, politics
## Thailand's refugee work program
Thailand's work program allows thousands of Myanmar refugees living in camps to support themselves and their families.
## Ray Boe's story
Ray Boe, a 31-year-old Myanmar refugee, left his camp to work in Bangkok after aid cuts forced him to borrow money for food and healthcare.
## Refugee camp population
Over 100,000 people live in Thai-Myanmar border camps since the 1980s, with most relying on foreign aid until October 2025.
## Aid cuts trigger program
Foreign aid cuts by the United States and others forced camps to slash food support and healthcare, prompting Thailand to reverse policy in October 2025.
## Labor gap created
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia sent hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers back home, creating a labor shortage.
## Program launches
Thailand began issuing permits for Myanmar refugees to work outside camps in 43 provinces, aiming to help them meet their own needs.
## Ray Boe's earnings
Ray Boe earns 400 baht (about $12) a day pouring concrete in Bangkok, hoping to send money home for food and healthcare.
## Government optimism
Thai officials say the program will enhance refugee opportunities and contribute to Thailand's socioeconomic development.
## Rights groups welcome
Rights groups say refugees are happier earning money independently, no longer depending on aid.
## Program challenges
Many refugees face unpaid contracts, poor working conditions, and lack of complaint systems after joining the program.
## Debt and exploitation
Refugees often repay employers through wage deductions for medical exams, permits, and transportation, starting work already in debt.
## Akwah's experience
Akwah, a refugee, was promised 250 baht per day for sugarcane work but earned only 200 baht for eucalyptus cutting with no shelter.
## Key takeaway

Thailand permits 6,800 Myanmar refugees to work outside camps to address labor shortages following foreign aid reductions.