The European Union has launched a new €15 million (about 567 million baht) programme to support sustainable solutions for Myanmar displaced persons in Thailand, focusing on self-reliance and social inclusion.
The programme, titled “Supporting Thailand’s Transition to Self-Reliance & Inclusion: Preparing Myanmar Displaced Persons for Inclusive Future”, was announced in Bangkok on April 20, 2026.
EU Ambassador to Thailand Luisa Ragher signed the agreement alongside representatives from UNHCR, a consortium led by the International Rescue Committee, and Expertise France.
The initiative will support displaced persons in nine temporary shelters across Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces, as well as migrants living outside shelters in Tak province.
The programme comes as Thailand advances policies allowing displaced persons to access legal employment and national services. It aims to strengthen healthcare systems, enhance child protection, and expand livelihood opportunities, while improving coordination between humanitarian agencies and Thai authorities.
Ragher said the EU remains committed to helping Thailand develop inclusive and sustainable solutions, adding that the programme seeks to empower displaced persons to become self-reliant and active contributors to society.
Pinsuda Jayanama, director-general of the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the increase in funding from €12 million to €15 million for 2026–2028, calling it timely as Thailand shifts towards a more self-reliant and inclusive approach.
UNHCR representative in Thailand Tammi Sharpe said the programme would help strengthen protection systems and support access to services and employment, enabling a safe and dignified transition.
The International Rescue Committee said the initiative would improve access to essential services and build skills for long-term self-reliance, while Expertise France highlighted efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and strengthen local health systems.
The programme includes a €10.5 million project led by the International Rescue Committee and partners to support services and employment readiness in shelters, a €2 million healthcare initiative in Tak province led by Expertise France, and a €2.5 million UNHCR-led effort focusing on child protection and inclusion in national systems.
Thailand hosts more than 80,000 Myanmar displaced persons in long-standing shelters along the border. Recent policy changes allowing access to legal employment mark a significant step towards more sustainable solutions, with continued international support seen as key to ensuring a safe and inclusive transition.
