Nearly 700,000 Myanmar Nationals Enter Thailand in Jan-Apr

Photo – Nearly 700,000 Myanmar nationals entered neighboring Thailand in the first four months of this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Khaosod Nearly 700,000 Myanmar nationals entered neighboring Thailand in the first four months of this year, according to a recent statement by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), highlighting the scale of outward migration due to various security, economic, and social reasons in the country fractured by civil war since the 2021 coup. Nearly 687,000 Myanmar nationals entered Thailand through major border crossings in the provinces of Tak, Ranong, Kanchanaburi, and Chiang Rai from January to April, IOM reported last week. The report stated that the Myanmar junta’s conscription law and the aftermath of a severe earthquake in central Myanmar last year are pushing people to flee forced conscription and seek better livelihood opportunities in neighboring countries. Of those who arrived in Thailand, 11 percent can be considered long-term residents as they are uncertain how long they will stay in Thailand, the migration monitoring body said. While some are heading to Malaysia through the southern border provinces of Thailand, IOM said it is difficult to monitor these routes as reliable information on the flow of these migrants is hard to obtain. Of the 3,504 Myanmar arrivals interviewed by IOM, 41 percent did not have legal documentation. Interviews revealed that 29 percent migrated for trade, 28 percent to visit family or friends, 9 percent to seek employment, and six percent due to conflict. The number of Myanmar nationals migrating to escape conflict and the junta’s violent crackdown on dissidents has increased since the 2021 coup. As a neighboring country with deep cultural and historical ties, Thailand has become a primary destination not only for migrant workers but also for refugees seeking protection. According to an IOM report, an estimated 4.6 million Myanmar nationals were residing in Thailand as of November 2025, of whom 64 percent were registered with the Department of Employment. Two million Myanmar nationals entered through major border crossings in the last year alone, IOM said. Nearly 700,000 Myanmar Nationals Enter Thailand in Jan-Apr by Khaosod was translated by Moe Thae. The post Nearly 700,000 Myanmar Nationals Enter Thailand in Jan-Apr appeared first on BUR.MIZZIMA.COM.