By Kantarawaddy Times
On October 6, the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) organized an informational seminar for refugees residing in Karenni IDP Camp No. 1 to discuss employment opportunities in Thailand made available through a Thai government initiative.
Sayar Htoo Chit, Executive Director of FED, told Kantarawaddy Times that the purpose of the event was to share essential information with camp residents interested in working outside the camp.
“Our aim is to share practical information with residents who wish to seek employment beyond the camp. We are providing basic knowledge about the working conditions in Thailand that they should understand before migrating for work,” he said.
The Thai Ministry of Labor announced on September 4 that Myanmar refugees residing in Thailand would officially become eligible to work starting October 1. This announcement has opened new employment opportunities for displaced Myanmar nationals living in Thailand.
At the seminar, participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunities and appreciation toward the Thai government’s arrangements.
An attendee, Ma Rosy, expressed her gratitude during the seminar, saying she was happy that such job opportunities had become available and thankful to the Thai government for organizing the program. She also extended her appreciation to those who came to explain the details.
“I’m really happy about this job opportunity. It’s not just a few people who will benefit — many of us will be able to work. I’m so grateful to the Thai government for making this happen. I believe it will really help us meet our basic needs. I’ve also learned a lot from this seminar, and I want to thank everyone who organized it and shared such useful information with us. We’re truly thankful.”
Another attendee, Daw Nga Mo, shared her hopes about gaining work permission:
“All of us who came here as refugees don’t receive enough rations. We’re struggling to survive without jobs, and it’s really hard to get by. We rely on what others provide, but sometimes it’s not enough. We face a lot of challenges. Now, we don’t even receive healthcare support anymore. There’s no medicine available, and whenever we get sick, we worry because we can’t afford treatment or medicine. We also can’t buy nutritious food to stay healthy — life is very tough. That’s why I hope this job opportunity will help us achieve better living conditions.”
The seminar also explained that refugees who will work in Thailand are expected to be placed in provinces such as Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. To receive formal authorization to work, applicants from these areas must apply for departure permits and obtain health certification documents issued by the state health office.
