IOM Thailand COVID-19 Response

The COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly, and migrants are some of the most affected. IOM Thailand is monitoring border movements and providing assistance to migrants and the Royal Thai Government. On this page you can find updates and information from IOM Thailand regarding its response to COVID-19 in the area of migration.

IOM Thailand COVID-19 Appeal 2021

IOM Thailand COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan 2021

Download

COVID-19 Response Summary

IOM Thailand COVID-19 Response Summary (September - October 2020)

The summary provides a snapshot of major response efforts undertaken by IOM Thailand from September to October 2020.
(Download)

What IOM is Doing

IOM Thailand has been adapting existing capacities and resources to respond to the needs of our beneficiaries during this outbreak of COVID-19.

Supporting the Royal Thai Government

IOM provided 85,000 masks as well as hand sanitizers and infrared thermometers to Thai Immigration Bureau border officials and its immigration detention centres. IOM is also working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supporting migrant workers to access to up to date and reliable information on COVID-19 in their languages.

Distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials

Distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials is underway at Immigration Detention Centers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In Ranong and Mae Sot provinces, IOM staff conducted risk communication and outreach activities to educate and inform migrant communities about practicing good hygiene with limited water and how to access health care services. IOM has distributed over 25,000 IECs to migrants.

Distribution of Food, Water and Hygiene Supplies

Over 2,600 migrants were provided with food and water at border crossing points, and 525 vulnerable migrant families in Thailand are receiving food and hygiene supplies for a month. Personal protective equipment including masks, hand sanitizers, rubber gloves, and cleaning materials were distributed for 208 migrants in 24 Immigration Detention Centers, Shelters for Children and Families, and Welfare Protection Centers for Victims of Trafficking. IOM also supported our local partner to deliver 690 kits of food supplies to the migrant community affected by the new virus outbreak in Samut Sakorn.

Conducting Surveys and assessments

IOM is conducting surveys and assessments in coordination with other UN agencies and local stakeholders to gauge the needs, conditions and challenges faced by migrant workers and communities to better inform the Royal Thai Government on how to assist these populations. (See below links.)

Producing New and Relevant Information

IOM has been producing new information to keep migrants, their employers and our partners informed about policy decisions impacting migrants. Meanwhile, IOM’s migration flow monitoring points at the border provide valuable information on displacements and migration trends around the border. (See below links.)

Facilitating UN Communication and Assistance

As the Chair of the Thailand UN Migration Network Working Group, IOM is facilitating communication and assistance among UN agencies to support migrants during the COVID-19 crisis.

IOM's COVID-19 Resources

Migrant Information Hub

MitrThai.com Website

Information hub provides up to date and reliable information tailored to the needs of migrant workers.
(Myanmar | Khmer | Lao | Thai)

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials

Information Card on COVID-19 Protection for Travelers and Migrants

Information card on COVID-19 protection for travelers and migrants for distributing at Points of Entry all over Thailand.
(English | Chinese | Khmer | Lao | Myanmar)

Informational Video on Do's and Don'ts While in State Quarantine for Migrant Workers

An animated video for migrant workers on dos & don’ts while in state quarantine, by the Ministry of Public Health and translated with support from IOM and the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University. The video is available in:
Khmer, Lao, Myanmar language

Say No to Discrimination Stigma and Hate Speech Targeting Migrant Workers

Flyer on raising voice against discrimation, stigma and hate speech towards migrant workers.
(English | Thai | Myanmar | Khmer | Lao)

Informational Video on COVID-19 for Migrant Workers

An animated video for migrant workers on COVID-19, including symptoms, practical guidance on infection prevention, border closure and travel restriction as well as additional resources. The video is available in:
Khmer, Lao (English/Thai subtitles, Lao subtitle), Myanmar language

Tips for Migrant Workers whose Job is Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Information sheet for workers whose job has been affected as a result of COVID-19.
(English | Khmer | Lao | Myanmar | Thai)

Tips for Employers of Domestic Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Information sheet on domestic workers' rights for employers to facilitate a conversation with domestic workers to address potential risks.
(English | Thai)

Tips for Employers of Migrant Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Information sheet for employers of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(English | Thai)

COVID-19 Rapid Assessments

COVID-19 Rapid Needs Assessment: Mahachai Sub-district, Samut Sakhon Province

Round 3 Rapid Needs Assessment

From 7 - 8 January 2021, IOM conducted a rapid needs assessment to better understand the situation and vulnerabilities of migrants affected by the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Machachai sub-district of Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon. The report provides indicative information on the food assistance, hygiene assistance and medical assistance needs of migrants in Mahachai sub-district.
(English)

Round 2 Rapid Needs Assessment

From 30 - 31 December 2020, IOM conducted a rapid needs assessment to better understand the situation and vulnerabilities of migrants affected by the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Machachai sub-district of Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon. The report provides indicative information on the food assistance, hygiene assistance and medical assistance needs of migrants in Mahachai sub-district.
(English)

Round 1 Rapid Needs Assessment

From 23 - 24 December 2020, IOM conducted a rapid needs assessment to better understand the situation and vulnerabilities of migrants affected by the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Machachai sub-district of Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon. The report provides indicative information on the food assistance, hygiene assistance and medical assistance needs of migrants in Mahachai sub-district.
(English)

Rapid Assessment: COVID-19-Related Vulnerabilities and Perceptions of Non-Thai Populations in Thailand

Round 3 Rapid Assessment

From 2 to 12 October 2020, IOM staff surveyed a total of 75 key informants who provided information on the situation and vulnerabilities of different migrant communities and non-Thai populations (migrants, refugees, and stateless individuals) following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand.
(English | Thai)

Round 2 Rapid Assessment

From 4 to 14 May 2020, IOM staff surveyed a total of 85 key informants, who provided information on the situation and vulnerabilities of different migrant communities and non-Thai populations (migrants, refugees, and stateless individuals) following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand.
(English | Thai)

Round 1 Rapid Assessment

From 1 to 10 April 2020, IOM staff surveyed a total of 67 key informants who provided information on the situation and vulnerabilities of different migrant communities and non-Thai populations (migrants, refugees, and stateless individuals) following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand.
(English | Thai)

Rapid Assessment: Covid-19 Related Vulnerabilities and Perceptions of Myanmar Migrants in Mueang Ranong District, Ranong Province, Thailand

From 25 July to 5 August 2020, IOM surveyed 164 Myanmar migrants in the Mueang Ranong district of Ranong province in order to better understand their situation and vulnerabilities following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand.
(English | Thai)

COVID-19 Related Vulnerabilities and Perceptions in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand

Between 11 and 22 April 2020, IOM staff conducted phone surveys with a total of 408 key informants (KIs) located in Tak province and Ranong province. This report focuses on the results for Mae Sot district, in Tak province, Thailand, where a total of 241 KIs were interviewed across 1 municipality, 9 sub-districts, 85 villages and 18 communities.
(English | Thai)

COVID-19 Related Vulnerabilities and Perceptions in Mueang Ranong District, Ranong Province, Thailand

Between 11 and 22 April 2020, IOM staff conducted phone surveys with a total of 408 key informants (KIs) located in Tak province and Ranong province.This report focuses on the results for Mueang Ranong district, in Ranong province, Thailand, where a total 122 KIs were interviewed across 1 municipality, 8 sub-districts, 38 villages and 20 communities.
(English | Thai)

COVID-19 Related Vulnerabilities and Perceptions in Suk Samran District, Ranong Province, Thailand

Between 11 and 22 April 2020, 16 IOM staff (50% female) conducted phone surveys with a total of 408 key informants (KIs) located in Tak province and Ranong province. This report focuses on the results for Suk Samran district, in Ranong province, Thailand, where a total of 45 KIs were interviewed across Suk Sumran's two sub-districts and 15 villages.
(English | Thai)

Guidelines

ไวรัสโควิด-19: แนวปฏิบัติสำหรับผู้ว่าจ้างและธุรกิจเพื่อสงเสริมการคุ้มครองแรงงานข้ามชาติในช่วงวิกฤติด้านสุขภาพที่เกิดขึ้นในปัจจุบัน
COVID-19: Guidance for employers and business to enhance migrant worker protection during the current health crisis

แนวปฏิบัติขั้นต้นสำหรับผู้ว่าจ้างในการรับมือวิกฤติด้านสุขภาพในปัจจุบันที่เกิด จากไวรัสโควิด-19 และโดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่ง เพื่อให้คำแนะนำในการสร้างความคุ้มครองที่มีประสิทธิภาพสำหรับแรงงานข้ามชาติในสถานประกอบการและห่วงโซ่อุปทานของผู้ว่าจ้าง
A guidance for employers to enhance their response to the current health crisis brought on by COVID-19 and to offer advice to establish effective protections for migrant workers in employer operations and supply chains.
(Thai | Other languages)

ไวรัสโควิด-19: แนวปฏิบัติสำหรับบริษัทจัดหางานเพื่อส่งเสริมการคุ้มครองแรงงานข้ามชาติในช่วงวิกฤติด้านสุขภาพที่เกิดขึ้นในปัจจุบัน
COVID-19: Guidance for labour recruiters to enhance migrant worker protection during the current health crisis

แนวปฏิบัติเบื้องต้นสำหรับบริษัทจัดหางานในการยกระดับการรับมือกับไวรัสโควิด-19 และโดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่ง เพื่อให้คำแนะนำในการสร้างประสิทธิภาพการคุ้มครองแรงงานข้ามชาติที่เชื่อมโยงกับการทำงาน
A guidance for labour recruiters to enhance their response to COVID-19 and, in particular, to offer advice to establish effective protections for migrant workers linked to their operations.
(Thai | Khmer |Other languages)

Programme Brief

Supporting Socio-Economic Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Migrant Workers in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and Thailand

IOM’s Poverty Reduction through Safe Migration, Skills Development and Enhanced Job Placement in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and Thailand (PROMISE) Programme can play a significant role in responding to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant workers. This Programme Brief summarizes the needs of migrant workers in the context of COVID-19 and outlines PROMISE interventions supporting economic resilience and recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for migrants, businesses, and economies.
(English)

COVID-19: Migrant Stories

Click the photos below to find out about migrant experiences during the spread of COVID-19.