Key Takeaways
• NSM launched in September 2023 granted protection to only seven refugees despite over 90,000 in Thailand.
• Thailand lifted its UNCRC Article 22 reservation in July 2024, aiming to improve refugee children’s protections.
• New 2025 pathway offers nationality to 480,000 stateless people but excludes most refugees from benefits.
Thailand’s refugee system has come under sharp focus as of July 2025, with new developments and policy changes that affect thousands of people seeking safety within its borders. While the country has made several high-profile announcements about reforms and humanitarian commitments, many experts and advocates argue that these changes offer little real protection for refugees and asylum seekers. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for people with pending applications or those considering applying for protection in Thailand.
Summary of What Changed
The most significant recent change in Thailand’s refugee policy is the launch and first 18 months of the National Screening Mechanism (NSM), which began operating in September 2023. The NSM was introduced after years of planning and was meant to create a formal process for identifying and protecting refugees and asylum seekers. However, the system’s performance has been disappointing for many. In its first year and a half, the NSM granted protection to only seven individuals, despite the presence of over 90,000 refugees (mostly from Myanmar) and thousands of urban asylum seekers in the country.
Another major development is Thailand’s decision, announced on July 9, 2024, to lift its reservation on Article 22 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This move signals a commitment to providing more humanitarian assistance and legal protections for refugee children. However, the actual impact of this change has been limited so far, with many children still lacking legal status and facing long stays in institutional care.
In May 2025, Thailand also launched an accelerated pathway to nationality and permanent residence for over 480,000 stateless people, following a Cabinet Resolution from October 2024. While this is a positive step for stateless populations, it does not directly address the broader protection needs of refugees.
Who Is Affected
The recent changes and ongoing policies affect several groups:
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Over 80,000 refugees from Myanmar live in nine temporary shelters along the border, and about 5,000 urban refugees and asylum seekers from more than 40 countries reside in cities. These individuals are directly impacted by the NSM’s strict criteria and low recognition rates.
- Stateless People: More than 612,000 stateless people are registered in Thailand. The new pathway to nationality and permanent residence offers hope for many, but it does not cover refugees who do not meet the criteria for statelessness.
- Children: Over 3,600 unaccompanied and separated children from Myanmar are in institutional care in just three northern provinces, a number that has grown by 38% since 2019. These children are affected by the slow implementation of new protections under the UNCRC.
- Excluded Groups: The NSM has been criticized for excluding entire groups—such as Rohingya from Myanmar, Uyghurs from China, and North Koreans—on broad “national security” grounds. These exclusions are enforced despite international standards that require each case to be considered individually.
Effective Dates
- NSM Launch: September 2023
- UNCRC Article 22 Reservation Lifted: July 9, 2024
- Accelerated Statelessness Pathway: May 2025 (following an October 2024 Cabinet Resolution)
Required Actions for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Thailand, here are the main steps and considerations:
- Applying for Protection: You must apply through the National Screening Mechanism. The process is managed by Thai authorities and is known for being slow and difficult to navigate. The NSM does not use the terms “refugee” or “asylum seeker,” instead calling applicants “aliens,” “displaced persons,” or “evacuees.” This means you will not receive formal refugee status under international law, but may be granted temporary protection.
- Appeals: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. However, the appeals process has strict deadlines and can be hard to access. It is important to seek help from legal advocates or NGOs as soon as possible if you receive a negative decision.
- Statelessness Pathway: If you are stateless (meaning you do not have citizenship in any country), you may be eligible for the new accelerated pathway to nationality or permanent residence. This process is separate from the NSM and is being rolled out by provincial and district officials.
- Children’s Rights: If you are a child or caring for a child, be aware that Thailand has lifted its reservation on Article 22 of the UNCRC. This should, in theory, provide more legal protection and access to services for refugee children, but practical changes have been slow.
Implications for Pending Applications
For those who have already applied for protection or are thinking about applying, the current system presents several challenges:
- Very Low Recognition Rate: The NSM has granted protection to only seven people in its first 18 months. This means most applicants are likely to be denied.
- Temporary Status Only: Even if you are recognized, you will receive only temporary protection. This status shields you from arrest and detention and may give you limited access to basic rights, but it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. You also cannot work legally or access public services outside designated shelters.
- Risk of Detention and Deportation: The 1979 Immigration Act still treats refugees and asylum seekers as illegal migrants. This means you could be arrested, detained, or deported at any time, even if you have documentation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
- Limited Resettlement Opportunities: While there is a resettlement program for some verified refugees in temporary shelters, the number of places is very limited and not all refugees are eligible.
Key Statistics and Facts
- Over 80,000 refugees from Myanmar live in temporary shelters along the border.
- About 5,000 urban refugees and asylum seekers from more than 40 countries are in Thailand’s cities.
- 612,011 stateless people are registered in Thailand as of the end of 2024.
- Only seven people have been granted protection under the NSM in its first year and a half.
- 3,693 unaccompanied and separated children from Myanmar are in institutional care in three northern provinces—a 38% increase since 2019.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
The current system creates a situation where most refugees and asylum seekers live in a state of uncertainty and fear. Some of the main effects include:
- Temporary and Precarious Protection: The “protected person” status under the NSM is only temporary. It does not offer a path to permanent residency or citizenship, and does not allow for legal work or access to most public services.
- Continued Risk of Arrest: Because the 1979 Immigration Act still applies, refugees and asylum seekers can be arrested or deported at any time. UNHCR documents do not provide strong protection if you are stopped by authorities.
- Barriers to Appeals: The appeals process is difficult to access, with tight deadlines and little support for applicants.
- Discrimination and Exclusion: The exclusion of certain groups on “national security” grounds has been widely criticized. Human rights organizations say this practice violates international standards, which require each case to be considered on its own merits.
Stakeholders and Official Positions
- Thai Government: The Ministry of Interior, led by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has highlighted Thailand’s humanitarian work, especially on statelessness. However, the Cabinet has rejected calls from the National Human Rights Commission to strengthen refugee protections, saying these changes are “not yet necessary.”
- UNHCR and International Agencies: The UNHCR continues to help the Thai government with refugee status determination and efforts to reduce statelessness. The United Nations Network on Migration and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have called for more legal pathways and better protections for all migrants, including refugees.
- NGOs and Advocates: Groups like Fortify Rights and Asylum Access Thailand have strongly criticized the NSM for its limited scope and exclusionary practices. They are pushing for reforms to make the system more fair and effective.
Procedures and Processes
- NSM Application: To apply for protection, you must go through the NSM process. This involves screening by Thai authorities, and the process is known for being slow and not very transparent. Few people have been successful so far.
- Appeals: If your application is denied, you can appeal, but you must act quickly and may need help from a lawyer or NGO.
- Resettlement: Some refugees in temporary shelters may be eligible for resettlement to a third country, but opportunities are limited and not available to everyone.
- Statelessness Pathway: If you are stateless, you may be able to apply for nationality or permanent residence through the new accelerated pathway. This is managed by local government officials.
Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives
Many experts and advocates believe that Thailand’s refugee system is more focused on improving the country’s international image than on providing real protection. The NSM’s design and the way it is run show a focus on security and public relations, not on meeting the rights and needs of refugees. The exclusion of entire groups and the lack of permanent solutions are seen as major problems.
On the other hand, Thailand’s recent efforts to resolve statelessness are viewed as a positive step. The new pathway to nationality and permanent residence for stateless people is a significant humanitarian advance, even though it does not solve the broader refugee protection gap.
Future Outlook and Pending Changes
- Advocacy for Reform: Human rights organizations are expected to keep pushing the Thai government to reform the NSM and expand protections, especially for children and excluded groups.
- Implementation of Statelessness Pathways: The new pathways for stateless people are being rolled out in 2025, with local officials responsible for making them work.
- International Scrutiny: As conflicts in the region, especially in Myanmar, continue to cause people to flee, Thailand’s refugee policies will remain under close watch from the international community. Calls for more meaningful and inclusive protection are likely to grow.
Official Resources and Contacts
If you need more information or help, here are some important contacts:
- UNHCR Thailand: For questions about refugee status and statelessness, visit UNHCR Thailand.
- Royal Thai Government – Ministry of Interior: The official portal for nationality and statelessness procedures can be found here.
- NGOs: Fortify Rights (www.fortifyrights.org) and Asylum Access Thailand (www.asylumaccess.org/thailand) offer support and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
If you are a refugee, asylum seeker, or stateless person in Thailand, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest policy changes and announcements from the Thai government, UNHCR, and trusted NGOs.
- Seek Legal Help: If you are applying for protection or appealing a decision, try to get help from a lawyer or an NGO experienced in refugee and statelessness issues.
- Document Your Case: Keep copies of all documents related to your application, appeals, and any interactions with authorities.
- Know Your Rights: Understand that the current system offers only temporary protection and that you may still be at risk of arrest or deportation. If you are stateless, check if you qualify for the new pathway to nationality or permanent residence.
- Advocate for Change: If you are able, join with others to call for reforms that will provide real protection for refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand.
Conclusion
Thailand’s refugee system, as of July 2025, is widely seen as falling short of providing real protection. The National Screening Mechanism has helped only a handful of people, while most refugees and asylum seekers remain in a state of uncertainty and risk. The exclusion of certain groups and the lack of permanent solutions highlight the gap between official statements and the reality on the ground. At the same time, the new pathway for stateless people is a positive development, even though it does not address the needs of most refugees. As reported by VisaVerge.com, ongoing advocacy and international attention will be key to pushing for reforms that offer genuine safety and hope to those who need it most.
For more details on the official procedures and to access the latest forms or updates, visit the UNHCR Thailand official website.
Learn Today
National Screening Mechanism (NSM) → Thailand’s official process launched in 2023 to identify refugees and asylum seekers for temporary protection.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 22 → International rule protecting refugee children’s rights to humanitarian assistance and legal safeguards.
Statelessness → Condition of lacking citizenship in any country, leaving individuals without legal nationality or protections.
Temporary Protection → A form of limited legal status granted to displaced persons without permanent residency or citizenship rights.
Resettlement → Transfer of refugees to a third country that agrees to provide permanent residency and safety.
This Article in a Nutshell
Thailand’s refugee system, under scrutiny in July 2025, offers limited protection with only seven granted status via NSM. Despite reforms, refugees face precarious conditions, exclusion, and risk of detention. Positive moves for stateless people contrast with ongoing challenges for asylum seekers and children under international law.
— By VisaVerge.com
