Japan pledges $2.9 million to healthcare for Myanmar refugees in Thailand

Japan announced that it has pledged 453 million yen ($2.95 million USD) in health assistance to around 60,000 Myanmar refugees living in three camps across Tak Province, along the Thailand–Myanmar border, after medical facilities in the camps have faced “increasing pressure due to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar” since the 2021 military coup.

“Medical facilities in Tak Province, which host refugee camps, have seen a sharp rise in outpatient and inpatient caseloads, and the healthcare systems of host communities accommodating these displaced persons remain under sustained strain,” Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release on Feb. 16.

Otaka Masato, Japan’s Ambassador to Thailand, and Dr. Ailan Li, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Thailand, attended the grant signing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 16.

“Tak Province has experienced growing demand on health facilities due to population movement across the border, placing sustained pressure on frontline services,” stated the World Health Organization (WHO) on Feb. 16. It added that the project is also expected to benefit at least 200,000 Thai people.

Financial assistance for Myanmar refugees, including food aid and healthcare services, has declined sharply since the U.S. cut its funding in January 2025.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), which was supported by U.S. funding, shut down nearly all of its primary healthcare services. Other donors, including U.N. agencies, have scaled back — but not fully halted — support.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that its grant will support upgrading facilities and training centres, providing medical equipment, and strengthening healthcare workforce capacity.

The three camps in Tak Province are Mae La, Umpiem Mai and Nu Po, which are located roughly 47 miles (87 km) south of the Thai-Myanmar border town of Mae Sot.

Mae La is the largest camp with a population of more than 37,000 refugees, while Umpiem Mai camps hosts 10,600, and Nu Po camp has nearly 9,000, according to The Border Consortium (TBC) – a Bangkok-based organization that has provided food, shelter, and other assistance to Myanmar refugees for more than 30 years.

These three camps account for nearly 60 percent of an estimated 107,000 Myanmar refugees living in nine camps established in 1984 along the Thai–Myanmar border. All camps are administered by the Thai government with support from international organizations and local civil society groups.

On Jan. 30, Thailand announced that all schools under the Ministry of Education must accept children, including refugees, “regardless of nationality or legal status” starting in the 2026 academic year.

In September, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health allocated 160 million baht ($4.4 million USD) to strengthen healthcare services in the refugee camps. In August, Thailand announced legal work permits for Myanmar refugees.

“Thailand continues to demonstrate strong commitment and leadership in providing equitable health services to migrants and displaced populations [along the border],” Dr. Ailan Li, the WHO Representative to Thailand, wrote in a statement.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs added the grant would help strengthen healthcare systems in refugee communities in Thailand and promote regional stability following the U.S. withdrawal last year.