Preparatory Meeting on Refugee Skills and Occupational Profile Project

On 12 June 2026, representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labor, UN agencies, CCSDPT, and partner organizations met to discuss the development of a standardized Refugee Skills and Occupational Profile Project.

The proposed initiative aims to establish a common database of skills, work experience, and occupational interests among displaced persons from Myanmar residing in temporary shelters. The information will support employment opportunities, skills development programs, and evidence-based planning for future interventions.

Participants agreed on the importance of developing standardized data collection tools, ensuring strong data protection measures, and promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration. The Ministry of Interior will provide policy guidance, while CCSDPT and partners will continue consultations on project design, work plans, and implementation arrangements.

Date: 12 June 2026
Location: Ministry of Interior, Bangkok, Thailand

Advancing Skills-Based Employment Pathways for Refugees

Prepared by Raweeporn Dokmai, CCSDPT Transition Coordinator

Published by CCSDPT Secretariat

On 27 May 2026, representatives from CCSDPT, The Border Consortium (TBC), and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) met with the Department of Employment (DOE) to discuss technical collaboration on the development of tools and processes for collecting employment-related data of refugees seeking work opportunities in Thailand.

The discussion focused on strengthening skills-based data collection to better understand refugees’ skills, work experience, and employment interests, with the aim of supporting effective job matching and workforce planning.

Participants also explored the use of standardized occupational classifications, digital data collection tools, and community-based screening mechanisms to support future implementation.

The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to promoting refugee self-reliance while contributing to Thailand’s labor market needs through practical, transparent, and sustainable employment pathways.

Technical consultations will continue to further develop the proposed tools and processes in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Update on Assistance for Displaced Persons – 12 May 2026
Chantaburi Migrant Workers Assistance Center

As of 6 May 2026, 15 workers from Mae La traveled to work in Chanthaburi after being informed that they would be employed in durian sorting work with agreed wages, overtime pay, and free accommodation and meals. However, upon arrival, the workers were assigned to mangosteen sorting and heavy lifting under excessive working hours of up to approximately 19 hours per day, with limited rest periods and no days off. Some workers had not received wages and were burdened with additional debts, while their documents were retained by the employer. When the workers requested to resign, the employer demanded payment and threatened to call the police. Relevant authorities, including the Migrant Worker Assistance Centers of Chanthaburi and Tak, coordinated emergency assistance and supported the workers’ return to Mae La on 8 May 2026. The case reflects several indicators associated with the risk of forced labor, including excessive working hours, document retention, and debt-related coercion linked to employment.

The Migrant Worker Assistance Center of Chanthaburi, in coordination with the Migrant Worker Assistance Center of Tak, provided assistance and coordination for a group of migrant workers who wished to return to the camp due to a conflict with their employer.