On 25 October 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), organised a regional workshop on the voluntary repatriation of refugees at Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel. The workshop was attended by approximately 80 representatives consisting of government officials from refugee hosting countries, countries of origin and donor countries from Asia and beyond, representatives from international organisations, academia and former refugees, namely Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Japan, the United States of America, China, Australia, the European Union and the World Bank.

Mr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivered the opening remarks by addressing the importance of voluntary repatriation as the sustainable solution for protracted refugee situations around the world.  He also emphasised the significance of assistance, cooperation and commitment from all related partners and stakeholders in pursuit of durable solutions.

The workshop has provided an opportunity for participants who are involved with or have experiences in the return of refugees to understand the complexities surrounding the process of voluntary repatriation. The workshop wasan opportunity to identify supporting conditions and necessary support needed for the success of voluntary repatriation, which could be useful for practical application into respective refugee situation in each country.