Representatives from the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) held an online meeting with South Korean parliamentarian Kang Yi-li to discuss support for Myanmar refugees and migrant workers in Thailand. The meeting, which took place on March 5, focused on developing comprehensive strategies to improve the rights and socioeconomic conditions of Myanmar nationals who have sought refuge in Thailand for various reasons. The discussion emphasized the need for coordinated international support to address the challenges faced by these displaced communities.
During the meeting, participants evaluated the outcomes of the Korea-Thailand-Myanmar Global Forum on enhancing rights and economic opportunities for Myanmar refugees in Mae Sot, which was held on January 30. U Ukka Min, Chairman of the CRPH Labor Affairs Committee, and U Kyaw Ni, Deputy Minister of Labor for the National Unity Government, presented detailed accounts of the difficulties faced by Myanmar refugees and migrant workers in Thailand. They specifically addressed issues concerning legal documentation, residency challenges, and the concerning practice of Thai authorities transferring detained Myanmar nationals to the military council, who subsequently forces them into military service.
The discussion also covered the educational needs of young Myanmar refugees in Thailand and explored ways to strengthen international community support for those requiring assistance. Participants from various organizations, including CRPH members, Labor Affairs Committee representatives, NUG officials, the NUG’s South Korean representative office, border-based migrant assistance organizations, and South Korean civil society groups, contributed to the dialogue. The meeting concluded with commitments to enhance cooperation between South Korea, Thailand, and pro-democracy Myanmar organizations to better support Myanmar refugees and migrant workers, while emphasizing the importance of preventing the military council from exploiting vulnerable displaced persons.
