On 8 July 2026, SEA Junction and the Mahidol Migration Center – Joint Research Unit (MMC-JRU) organized an online Wednesday SEA Mobilities seminar titled “Rights to Work for Myanmar Displaced Persons.” The event explored the evolving landscape of work rights for refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons living in and around temporary shelters along the Thailand–Myanmar border. Bringing together academic and policy perspectives, the discussion examined the intersection of refugee protection, labour rights, and migration governance amid recent policy developments in Thailand.
Sirada Khemanitthathai (Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development, Chiang Mai University) examined the changing dynamics of displacement along the Thailand–Myanmar border and discussed the opportunities and challenges surrounding refugees’ access to employment. Drawing on her research on Myanmar politics, cross-border relations, and forced displacement, she highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable and rights-based approaches that promote refugees’ self-reliance while addressing long-term questions of inclusion and integration.
Rebecca Napier-Moore (International Labour Organization: ILO) discussed the significance of the right to work as a fundamental component of refugee protection and social inclusion. She highlighted recent policy developments in Thailand, including measures enabling refugees and displaced persons in temporary shelters to access legal employment opportunities outside the camps, and emphasized the importance of decent work, labour rights, and fair migration governance in supporting durable solutions for displaced populations.
Moderated by Sudarat Musikawong (Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University), the seminar underscored that expanding access to legal and decent work is essential for strengthening the self-reliance, dignity, and long-term inclusion of Myanmar displaced persons. The discussion highlighted the need for continued collaboration among researchers, policymakers, international organizations, and civil society to advance more inclusive and sustainable migration governance in Southeast Asia.
Learn more about the event on the https://seajunction.org
