EU pledges €15 million to support Myanmar refugees & migrants in Thailand

Narinjara News, 23 April 2026

The European Union (EU) has announced a €15 million (approximately 570 million Baht) aid package dedicated to Myanmar refugees and migrant workers in Thailand. The initiative, announced by the EU delegation to Thailand on 21 April, aims to facilitate durable solutions for those living in nine temporary shelters along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

The funding agreement was formalized on 20 April during a high-level dialogue in Bangkok regarding the future of Myanmar’s displaced population. Signatories included the EU ambassador to Thailand, the Thai foreign affairs minister, and representatives from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the French development agency Expertise France.

Spanning the 2026–2028 period, the project focuses on three primary pillars- healthcare, child protection, and expanded employment opportunities. The €15 million budget is allocated as follows:

· €10.5 million: Managed by the IRC, this portion will fund essential services and livelihood programs. The IRC will lead a consortium including Save the Children, COERR, Malteser International (healthcare), ADRA (vocational training), and Humanity & Inclusion.

· €2.5 million: Overseen by the UNHCR, these funds are earmarked for child protection initiatives and job placement services.

· €2 million: Led by Expertise France, this allocation will focus specifically on healthcare delivery.

The EU statement confirmed that these agencies will collaborate with local partners, including the Borderland Health Foundation, the Mae Tao Clinic, and Dreamlopments—the organization behind the migrant workers health insurance (M-Fund) scheme. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will also play a key role in the implementation of the project.