Around 200 youths from Karenni Refugee Camp (1) have been granted permission to work in Thailand with official approval from the Thai government, according to the camp’s chairman, Sai Lone.

“Overall, from October 2025 to April 2026, there are around 200 people,” Sai Lone said.

After the Thai government announced in August last year that Myanmar refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border would be allowed to work legally in Thailand, it permitted employment in eight types of jobs, including industrial sectors.

Currently, Karenni refugee youths are working in various workplaces, with employers recruiting them based on labor needs.

Employment agencies and employers cooperated to pre-register interested individuals in the camp, followed by interviews and screening processes before recruitment.

A Karenni youth said that since there are no job opportunities inside the camp, being allowed to work outside is a valuable opportunity.

“There are no jobs in the camp, so with this legal permission, we hope to gain opportunities. We try to look for jobs in advance. Since we are officially allowed, we don’t want to lose this chance,” said a male resident from Karenni Refugee Camp (1).

Most of the refugees are working in the construction and agricultural sectors in Mae Hong Son, Bangkok, and Chiang Rai provinces.

According to Sai Lone, workers must sign a one-year contract with employers.

“If they sign a one-year contract but return before completing it due to various reasons, they must cover their own travel costs. However, employers will allow them to leave if there is a valid reason. Employers initially cover costs such as health checks, then gradually deduct them from monthly wages. Accommodation, electricity, and water are provided for free, but workers have to pay for medical check-ups and transportation themselves,” he explained.

As international aid to Myanmar refugee camps has been reduced, Sai Lone also urged people aged 18 to 55 to take advantage of the job opportunities provided by the Thai government.