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.

APPEAL

IOM Thailand COVID-19 Appeal

IOM Thailand strategic preparedness and response plan
(Download)

COVID-19 Response Summary

IOM Thailand COVID-19 Response Summary (June 2020)

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

IOM's COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Response: Mask Dirstribution to Major Border Checkpoints in Thailand

The increased flow of migrant workers returning to their home countries across borders during Covid-19 outbreak added pressure at points of entry and on front-line immigration officials. In response to the situation, IOM Thailand distributed 14,000 masks to various Points of Entry to ensure that front-line immigration officials are properly equipped to manage the migration flows effectively.
(English)

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)

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

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)

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)

IOM – COVID-19 – Migrant Tracking Policy Update

Infographic on the status of entry and exit points in Ranong Province, Thailand. The objective of this product is to provide an overview on how movement restriction policies are influencing international mobility in the province.
(23 April | 16 April | 9 April | 2 April | 25 March)

IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific – COVID Response – GMS Flash Update

A flash update on COVID-19 related movements from Thailand to Myanmar, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Cambodia over the past days as a result of public health measures announced by the Government of Thailand. IOM is responding in all 4 countries to provide support to both migrants and national authorities, and will be scaling up preparedness activities at borders and in areas of return.
(26 March)

COVID-19 Flash Update: Government Guidance Affecting Migrant Workers and their Employers in Thailand and Neighbouring Countries

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

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

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)

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

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.

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 20,000 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 205 vulnerable migrant families in Thailand are receiving food and hygiene supplies for a month.

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 above 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 above links.)

Supporting the Royal Thai Government

IOM will be supporting the Ministry of Public Health in managing its COVID-19 call line for foreigners and Thais needing information on medical requirements to travel in and outside the country. IOM will also provide 85,000 masks as well as hand sanitizers and infrared thermometers to Thai Immigration Bureau border officials and its immigration detention centres.

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.

COVID-19: Migrant Stories

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