Thailand details 10-year timeline to disband and close Myanmar border refugee camps

Mizzima

Thai authorities have announced plans to close refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border within the next 10 years, according to sources familiar with the matter.

At a meeting held during the second week of May, Thai officials reportedly stated that they would first consolidate the refugee camps over the next five years and then fully close them within a decade. This information was shared by Saw Pwe Say, secretary of the Karen Refugee Committee (KRC).

“That is correct. The refugee camps will be consolidated within five years, as explained by Thai authorities during our meeting. Beyond that five-year mark, and within a ten-year timeframe, the camps will be systematically closed down and will cease to exist officially,” said Saw Pwe Say.

Despite announcing the consolidation and eventual closure of the camps, Thai officials have yet to clarify critical details regarding the future legal residency or freedom of movement for the displaced populations.

The policy shift impacts nine refugee camps operating along the Thai-Myanmar border including major sites such as Mae La, Nu Poe, Umpiem (Ohn Phan), and Mae La Oon (Mae La Oo) and has triggered widespread anxiety among long-term residents facing an uncertain future.

At present, officials are compiling a list of residents in Nu Poe camp, to determine whether residents are willing to relocate to either Umpiem or Mae La refugee camps. According to local residents, only a small number of people have registered.

“The registration process has already been carried out, but people are very worried, including us,” said a middle-aged resident of Nu Poe camp. “We are afraid to register. They only asked us to choose between two places, Umpiem and Mae La.”

In addition, Thai authorities are reportedly considering issuing special identification cards to refugees living in the border camps. According to a source close to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the cards may be similar to the “pink cards” currently used by migrant workers in Thailand.

“I heard that refugees here may also receive a special ID card, similar to the pink cards given to migrant workers,” the source said. “But I cannot confirm it yet.”

Since international aid organizations reduced food assistance to refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, Thai authorities have allowed refugees to work legally outside the camps beginning in 2025, helping many families support themselves.