Thousands of Myanmar refugees living along the Thai-Myanmar border are beginning a new chapter in their lives as Thailand’s government grants them the right to work legally for the first time.

In August, the Thai government approved employment for Myanmar refugees, a move described by the United Nations as a “landmark step” that could benefit more than 80,000 people. The decision followed a labour shortage triggered by the mass return of Cambodian workers after border clashes in July.

Among the new workers is 42-year-old Tun Min Lat, who fled southern Myanmar in 2006 to escape conflict and forced labour. For nearly two decades, he and his family lived in a refugee camp in Kanchanaburi province, relying on international aid. Now, he and his wife work at a longan farm in Chanthaburi province, about 500 kilometres from their camp, while their eldest daughter has found a factory job in another province.

“This is the first time I feel like I can see a future,” Tun Min Lat told Reuters while picking fruit in the orchards. His group of five workers earned about 1,000 Thai baht ($30.81) on their first day.

Thailand hosts nine refugee camps along its western border, housing people who fled waves of fighting in Myanmar since the 1980s. The latest exodus followed the 2021 military coup that plunged the country into civil war.

According to The Border Consortium, which supports refugees in Thailand, the new policy will help families become more self-reliant amid reductions in international aid, including from the United States.

“It is the first time that they have an opportunity to start to be self-reliant and have a more decent life in Thailand,” said Leon de Riedmatten, the group’s executive director.

Despite long hours and separation from their children, Tun Min Lat said he and his wife feel hopeful about their future in Thailand’s workforce.

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