Thailand suspends issuance of key document for Myanmar migrants

By Admin 08 May 2023

DMG Newsroom
8 May 2023, Sittwe

Thailand has temporarily suspended issuing certificates of identity (CI) for Myanmar migrants, a change in policy that will take effect on May 13.

Previously, undocumented Myanmar migrants could apply for a document known as a pink card to live and work in Thailand. But as of February 13 of this year, Myanmar migrants have been required to apply for a CI to continue to live in Thailand.

It costs 30,000 baht to apply for a pink card and CI, said Ma Aye Soe, who has applied for and obtained a CI for herself. 

“30,000 baht is a huge amount for migrant workers like us. Some migrants have applied for a pink card, and while they have not yet received the pink card, they are required to apply for CI. It cost us a lot,” she said.

According to official rates, it costs 9,080 baht to apply for a pink card and 7,880 baht to apply for CI. Those who can’t apply in person have to apply through middlemen — a route that costs them 15,000 baht each to apply for both documents, according to Myanmar migrants.

It is not clear when Thai authorities will begin accepting new applications once more.

Myanmar migrant Ko Aung Kyaw Moe said: “There are many pink card holders who could not apply for CI. The Thai government must accept CI applications again before their pink cards expire.”

The last tokens to apply for CI were issued on May 5, and applications will be suspended starting from May 13, according to middlemen.

“I think only half of the pink card holders have applied for CI. So, Thai authorities should re-accept CI applications as soon as possible,” said Ma Aye Soe.

An official of the Myanmar labour attaché’s office in Thailand said the application process was suspended because the limit has been reached, and authorities from the two sides are discussing when to resume applications.

The Myanmar Embassy in Thailand opened CI issuance centres in Samut Sakhon, Chonburi, Samut Prakan and Ranong provinces, and it also operates mobile teams in Chiang Mai, Songkhla and Pathum Thani provinces.

Pink cards issued in 2022 are valid for five years, until 2027. CIs have to be renewed every three months, and a new CI has to be applied for after four years.