Myanmar workers in Thailand report heightened restrictions on obtaining work permits for nationals from Myanmar since the start of this year.

To legally settle in Thailand, individuals must possess a Certificate of Identity (CI) issued jointly by the Thai and Myanmar governments.

"Since the beginning of this year, it has become more difficult to apply for work permits. When we apply, we need to bring our original national identification card (NIC) and a copy of the household list. If we do not provide these documents, we usually encounter various difficulties for sure”, a Myanmar migrant worker in Thailand said.

In previous years, these documents were not necessary for applications, but this year the procedures have become stricter, making it difficult for Myanmar workers.

Those unable to submit these documents may not be completely barred from obtaining work permits, but they often encounter unnecessary delays.

After the Junta staged a coup in Myanmar, there was a mass migration of Myanmar citizens to Thailand, and recently with the activation of the conscription law by the Junta, the trend of Myanmar citizens fleeing to Thailand has seen another resurgence.

"The CI and work permit application departments are crowded with people, primarily Myanmar citizens. Some individuals have to wait all day to obtain the documents, and I have noticed that some of them are accompanied by their children”, a witness told Kantarawaddy Times.

Following the coup, the influx of people migrating from Myanmar to Thailand is steadily rising. On average, a Myanmar worker typically incurs a total cost of 30,000 THB, encompassing expenses for the work permit, pink card, CI book, and visa fees necessary for legal residency in Thailand.