COMMENT | In June 2026, Thailand began issuing government-issued identity cards to refugees living in temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border.

The initiative marks a significant development in refugee governance in Southeast Asia, providing refugees with official recognition and supporting greater access to employment and essential services.

The development comes at a time when Malaysia is advancing its own refugee registration initiative through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP), which began on Jan 1 this year.

While the DPP remains in its early stages, it has the potential to...