United Nations Network on Migration Launches the Thailand Migration Report 2024

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13 December, Bangkok – Migration remains a cornerstone of Thailand’s socio-economic development, offering immense opportunities and potential when well-managed and when the rights of migrants are protected, according to the latest Thailand Migration Report launched today by the United Nations Network on Migration in Thailand.

Now in its sixth edition, the report, (the previous edition was published in 2019) is a joint UN inter-agency publication produced by members of the UN Network on Migration in Thailand.The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted nature of migration, policies and the lived realities of migrants in Thailand.

As a hub for intraregional migration and main destination country in Southeast Asia, Thailand hosts at least 5.3 million non-Thai nationals, marking an 8 per cent increase compared to nearly 4.9 million non-Thai population as indicated in the last report. Thailand is also a transit country for migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers, and trafficked persons as well as an origin country deploying Thai workers across the region and beyond.

The report delves into the state of migration through 11 chapters that revolve around four central themes of leaving no one behind, working conditions of migrants, human rights and access to justice, and expanding social protection and health care. Each chapter, written collaboratively by nine UN agencies, includes updates on migration-related policies and legislative frameworks, details the current situation for migrants, and makes recommendations for evidence-based policy and programmatic changes that promote inclusivity and protection for all migrants.

“This report offers a comprehensive stock take of the opportunities that migrants bring and the challenges they face. It allows us to unpack the crucial role that Thailand plays as a Champion Country of the Global Compact for Migration,” says Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand.

Labour migration from neighbouring countries, particularly Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar, remains a significant driver of Thailand’s economic growth, spurred by the country’s improved infrastructure and opportunities. This was highlighted by over 2.3 million regular migrant workers from these neighbouring countries registered in Thailand.

However, many migrant workers continue to face challenges such as low wages, poor working conditions and limited access to social protection. Highlighting how migrants, particularly those in irregular situations, are at heightened risk of the precarious working and living conditions, the report calls for better legal and social protections.

“With the conflict in Myanmar intensifying, mobility flows toward Thailand, the need for comprehensive policies that address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of migrants has never been more urgent,” emphasizes Géraldine Ansart, Chief of Mission at IOM Thailand and Coordinator of the UNMN in Thailand. “Expanding regular pathways to ensure all migrants are able to register, work decently and have access to basic services until they return home is [not only] critical for respecting Thailand’s commitments toward the protection of migrants but also a key sustainable development strategy for the country.”

The report delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability in neighbouring countries on migration dynamics and patterns in Thailand. While border closures, economic downturns and restricted movement disrupted the livelihoods of millions of migrants, the political instability has led to a surge in migrants entering through irregular channels, exacerbating humanitarian and development challenges. 

Compared to estimates in 2019 Thailand Migration Report, the number of Myanmar migrants in irregular situations has doubled to 1.8 million. This figure likely somewhat underestimates the actual increase, given the hidden nature of irregularity and difficulty to estimate numbers of migrants from countries other than Myanmar.  

“We hope that this report provides much needed evidence on longstanding trends and emerging challenges on migration and opportunities it brings for sustainable development,” adds Ms Ansart.

With just over half a decade remaining until the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is critical to harness migration as a driver for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The promise of migration can only be fully realized through strengthened partnerships and collaboration between all stakeholders to translate policy commitments into right-based migration governance framework and systems that benefit both migrants and society as a whole.

The Thailand Migration Report 2024 is a publication jointly produced by members of the UN Network on Migration, namely:  IOM, ILO, OHCHR, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNODC, UN Women and WHO, with thanks to Sally Barber and Dr. Rosalia Sciortino for leading the coordination and editing of the report.