'Don't have to hide': Thai IDs, legal work give hope to Myanmar refugees

This photo taken on Jul 1, 2026 shows Karen refugees from the Mae La refugee camp along the Thai-Myanmar border arriving at a district office to register for Thai ID cards issued to foreigners granting them permission to work, in Prachinburi province. (Photo: AFP/Lillian SUWANRUMPHA) 06 Aug 2026 06:30PM NAKHON SAWAN, T

After decades of being barred from leaving the refugee camps and working legally, Myanmar refugees began receiving non-citizen Thai ID cards in June.