Geneva, Switzerland, 6–10 October 2025 – At the 76th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Thailand reaffirmed its strong commitment to humanitarian principles and responsibility-sharing in addressing the global refugee situation.
Leading the Thai delegation, Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary General of the National Security Council, underscored Thailand’s achievements and ongoing efforts to support displaced persons and stateless populations, while also calling for stronger international solidarity amid rising global challenges.
Key Highlights from Thailand’s Statement:
• Support for Displaced Myanmar Nationals: On 26 August 2025, Thailand announced a landmark decision to allow more than 77,000 displaced persons from Myanmar, who have lived in temporary shelters for over four decades, to work outside the camps. This policy balances humanitarian concerns with national security and represents a milestone toward sustainable, self-reliant solutions.
• Progress on Statelessness: Following the Thai Cabinet’s decision in October 2024, a new plan has accelerated the nationality and permanent residency process for approximately 480,000 stateless persons. To date, around 60,000 individuals have already benefited, reaffirming Thailand’s role as a founding member of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness.
• National Screening Mechanism (NSM): Since its launch in 2023, 7 individuals have been granted “protected person” status, with 205 cases under review. Thailand continues to refine the mechanism with technical support from UNHCR.
• Alternatives to Detention for Migrant Children: Over the past seven years, more than 2,000 children and families have been released from immigration detention and supported in communities and shelters, reflecting Thailand’s commitment to child protection and compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Support for Rohingya: Thailand reaffirmed its pledge made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum to provide humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas in Bangladesh and development aid to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. In 2025, Thailand contributed 700,000 Baht to the World Food Programme to support food security for Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
Mr. Chatchai emphasized that these initiatives reflect Thailand’s resolve to pursue policies aligned with humanitarian principles, international standards, and national priorities.
UNHCR Praises Thailand’s Leadership
In his address, Mr. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, commended Thailand’s leadership as “a highly important step” and “an excellent example” of sustainable and humane refugee responses. He highlighted Thailand’s role as a global leader in addressing statelessness, citing its efforts that have already benefited hundreds of thousands of people.
Reflecting on his personal connection with Thailand—where he began his humanitarian work over 40 years ago—Mr. Grandi expressed his deep appreciation for the country’s continued partnership with UNHCR, calling Thailand “a country close to my heart.”
Looking Ahead
Thailand reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with UNHCR, donor countries, and civil society organizations, and looks forward to contributing constructively to the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review in December 2025.
📍 For Full Statement by the Delegation of Thailand please see at https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/43-thailand.pdf
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