UN: Thailand hosts 5.3 million migrants, stretching its capacity
The United Nations releases new report on migration in Thailand, five years after the last taking stock of the situation. Despite its ongoing economic crisis, thousands of people continue to arrive from neighbouring countries. While some progress has been made, working conditions and social assistance for migrants remain a problem. People fleeing Myanmar’s civil war are another major issue.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – A new report by the United Nations Network on Migration (UNMN) about Thailand, the first since 2019, highlights the potential and limits of the country’s management of migrants. Despite its ongoing economic crisis and negative prospects, the Southeast Asian nation still draws people struggling with war, repression and lack of prospects in neighbouring countries and beyond.
The sixth edition of this report provides a detailed analysis of various aspects of migration and Thai policies. Data show growth in arrivals over the five-year period. Non-Thais number 5.3 million now, up from 4.9 million in the previous report, for an increase of 8 per cent.
The study emphasises that Thailand is not only a country of transit for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, as well as victims of human trafficking, but also a destination for a substantial number of migrants from Southeast Asia and elsewhere.
The study should ensure a better understanding of migration in its facets. “This report is a comprehensive stocktake of the opportunities migrants bring and the challenges they face. It highlights Thailand’s critical role as a Champion Country of the Global Compact for Migration,” said Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand.
Drafted by experts from nine UN agencies and divided in eleven chapters, the report focuses on four areas: the need to guarantee equal treatment for everyone; employment conditions, human rights and access to justice; increasing social protection; and availability of medical assistance.
Labour migration from neighbouring countries – especially Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar – plays a central role, as evidenced by the more than 2.3 million legal immigrants.
The report also points out that Thailand continues to impose strict conditions on immigrants in terms of wages, working conditions, security and social assistance.
It notes that the number of Myanmar people in an irregular situation doubled to 1.8 million in the wake of the pandemic and the country’s ongoing civil war.
For Géraldine Ansart, chief of mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), comprehensive policies are needed more than ever to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of migrants from Myanmar as the conflict there intensifies, causing the flow of refugees towards the Thai border to grow.
At the same time, Thai authorities should take action to uphold their international commitments and ensure sustainable development in the country.
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11/08/2017 20:05
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