Thailand: immigration

How many refugees are there in Thailand?

84,017 refugees and 2,880 asylum seekers were living in Thailand at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR. 80,411 of the refugees were from Myanmar, according to UNHCR's breakdown by origin.

Other refugees came from Pakistan (1,182), Viet Nam (940) and Cambodia (297). Viet Nam was also the largest origin of asylum seekers, with 1,356. 327 refugees and 2,656 asylum seekers from Thailand were living abroad, according to UNHCR.

Official sources: UNHCR: population data, Thailand as host country · UNHCR: refugees in Thailand by origin, 2025 · UNHCR: population data, Thai nationals abroad

How many stateless people are there in Thailand?

610,791 stateless people were living in Thailand at the end of 2025, down from 612,524 a year earlier, according to UNHCR.

Stateless people are those not considered nationals by any country. The figures count people known to the authorities and UNHCR, so the actual number may differ. Thailand also hosted 464 other people of concern to UNHCR in 2025.

Official sources: UNHCR: population data, Thailand as host country

How many migrants live in Thailand?

3,179,399 people born abroad were living in Thailand in 2024, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators, which use UN estimates. That is about 4.4% of the population, up from 2,640,454 in 2010.

The figure counts people born in another country, whatever their legal status. Net migration, the number arriving minus the number leaving, was 27,509 in 2025, according to the World Bank.

Official sources: World Bank: international migrant stock, Thailand · World Bank: net migration, Thailand

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Visa rules for Thailand, including which nationalities can enter without a visa and for how long, are published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Consular Affairs. The current visa exemption periods could not be read on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Immigration Bureau websites checked on 15 October 2026, so they are not stated here.

The ministry lists separate visa types for tourism, transit, business, study, long stays and other purposes. Thai embassies and consulates may ask for additional documents. Extensions of stay inside Thailand are handled by the Immigration Bureau.

Official sources: Department of Consular Affairs: types of visa · Immigration Bureau

How much money do migrants send to Thailand?

Thailand received US$11.9 billion in personal remittances in 2025, up from US$9.5 billion in 2024, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators.

Remittances are money sent home by Thais working abroad and other transfers between households. The total is about 2% of GDP, according to World Bank GDP figures. Money sent out of Thailand by migrant workers living there is counted separately.

Official sources: World Bank: personal remittances received, Thailand · World Bank: GDP, Thailand

How many foreign-born people live in Thailand?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Thailand was 4.4% in 2024. In 2015 the figure was 4.0%. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.1%; Thailand is 9th highest of 30. Worldwide: 96th of 193.

Are more people leaving Thailand than arriving?

27,509: that is net migration in Thailand for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 112,978 in 2016 and the low -2,093 in 2021. East Asia & Pacific median: -373; Thailand is 5th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 29th of 193.

How many refugees are in Thailand?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Thailand at 84,017 in 2025. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 631, and Thailand placed 2nd highest of 18. World rank, highest first: 54th of 169.

How many refugees have fled Thailand?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Thailand at 327 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 147 (2016) to 3,323 (2006). It is 12th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 73. Worldwide: 126th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Thailand?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Thailand was 2.1% of GDP, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 9th highest of 15 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.2% of GDP. Worldwide: 65th of 127.