On 6 March 2019, H.E. Mrs. Busaya Mathelin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and H.E. U Myint Thu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, co-chaired the Third Meeting of the Thailand - Myanmar Joint Working Group on the Preparation of the Return of Myanmar Displaced Persons at The Riverie by Katathani in Chiang Rai Province. The Meeting was attended by relevant government agencies from Thailand and Myanmar.

The Third Meeting of the Joint Working Group followed up on the implementation of the outcome of the Second Meeting of the Myanmar - Thailand Joint Working Group on 24 August 2018 in Nay Pyi Taw and discussed ways to develop a systematic return process in anticipation of increased numbers of returnees in the future. Both sides welcomed the return of the third batch of 565 Myanmar displaced persons during 20 - 22 February 2019, which is the highest number since the return of the first batch in 2016. The high number of return reflects the political will of both countries in ensuring safe and sustainable return. Both sides agreed on a definite time frame on the return to be undertaken at least twice a year, prior to and after the monsoon season and discussed on the legal employment of Myanmar displaced persons in Thailand after their return to Myanmar. Moreover, the two sides agreed to cooperate on the establishment of learning centres and community development projects based on the application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) in Tanintharyi Region, Mon State and Kayin State. Both sides tasked the Joint Technical Working Group on Myanmar Displaced Persons to expedite the result of the Third Meeting of the Joint Working Group and report to the Fourth Meeting of the Thailand - Myanmar Joint Working Group to be hosted by Myanmar in early 2020 in Nay Pyi Taw.