Thailand allocates 160 million baht for Myanmar refugee healthcare
On 26 August, the Thai government approved a plan allowing over 40,000 Myanmar refugees in Thai camps to work legally, a move welcomed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
This marks the first time in 41 years that Thailand has permitted Myanmar refugees in border camps to work legally. 5
Thailand’s Ministry of Health has allocated 160 million baht to improve healthcare services for over 700,000 Myanmar refugees in seven camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Since the U.S. government suspended humanitarian aid, funding shortages have impacted basic healthcare services in these camps, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. 6
Draft layout of Kyaukphyu Deep-Sea Port and the currently operating Made Island Deep-Sea Port (Image – CITIC)
Chinese pressure on the junta
Chinese Vice President Mr. Han Zheng expressed hope that security measures for Chinese projects and personnel in Myanmar would be enhanced, as stated to the Myanmar military junta. This statement comes at a time when intense fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) has impacted Chinese interests in Arakan State. 7
To facilitate Chinese business operations, Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing instructed relevant ministries during a coordination meeting in Naypyidaw on 12 September to allow investments in Chinese Yuan and to expedite a direct payment system between the Yuan and Myanmar Kyat, replacing the U.S. dollar. This directive follows Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to China, where he met with Chinese business leaders. 8
India to monitor junta’s election
The Indian government plans to send observer teams for the Myanmar junta’s elections scheduled for December this year. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Min Aung Hlaing met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China. Despite widespread criticism of the elections as a sham, the New Delhi government has shown support.
Regarding the junta’s election, Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur traveled from Yangon to Naypyitaw to meet the junta’s Union Election Commission (UEC) chairman, Than Soe, to discuss arrangements for the elections scheduled for this December.
India is attempting to acquire samples of rare earth mineral from Myanmar with the assistance of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), amid China’s tight control over such resources in Myanmar. The Indian government has directed state-owned and private companies to collect and transport these samples. 9
Arakan crisis at the UN
The head of the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) stated that humanitarian aid deliveries to Arakan State are being obstructed due to the junta’s airstrikes and ongoing conflicts, causing suffering for all ethnic groups in the region.
The current situation in Myanmar resembles the brutalities committed against the Rohingya in 2017, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on 2 September. In addition, a UN report and Türk accused the Arakan Army (AA) of committing crimes against Muslims in Arakan State.
South Korea, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), will launch the REACH program to assist Myanmar’s population facing record-high levels of hunger. South Korea will provide $10 million to support approximately 300,000 people.
5. Thailand’s approval of work permits for 42,000 Myanmar refugees in border camps welcomed by UNHCR, Western News, 27 August 2025
6. Thailand plans 160m baht to support healthcare for Myanmar refugees in border camps, IMNA, 5 September 2025
7. China urges junta to enhance security for Chinese projects, Burma VJ, 17 September 2025
8. Junta chief says Chinese Yuan investments to be allowed for business ease, DVB, 13 September 2025
9.India explores rare-earth deal with Myanmar rebels after Chinese curbs, Bangkok Post, 10 September 2025