Refugee and Return

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

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2. Introduction: Background of Protracted Conflict and Displacement in Myanmar

   • Supang Chantavanich, Aungkana Kamonpetch

   Pages 1-7

3. Sustainable Return: A Case Study of Refugee Return to Lao PDR in the 1980s–1990s

   • Min Ma, Vongsa Chayavong

   Pages 9-21

4. Myanmar as a Post-conflict Society?

   • Lahpai Nang Sam Aung, Hkawn Ja Aung

   Pages 23-35

5. Challenges of Reintegration for Returnees in Myanmar

   • Nwe Ni Win Kyaw, Ni Ni Win

   Pages 37-48

6. Analysis and Conclusions on Voluntary Repatriation

   • Supang Chantavanich, Aungkana Kamonpetch

   Pages 49-59

7. Back Matter

   Pages 61-71

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This book provides essential background information on the protracted displacement of several ethnic groups along the Thai-Myanmar border before turning to an examination of whether Myanmar has now shifted into a post-conflict society, the expected challenges involved in reintegrating returnees to Myanmar, and the possibility of voluntary and sustainable repatriation. The authors conclude that, given the current, ongoing security challenges and the lack of job opportunities in Myanmar, voluntary repatriation is not yet feasible as a long-term solution. After more than 60 years of conflict and displacement, Myanmar is now in the midst of political reform. A new nominally civilian government and the promise of elections in 2015 have raised hopes of a lasting democratic transition after years of military rule. For the first time in decades, repatriation of refugees in Thailand is being discussed as a real and imminent possibility.

• Ethnic Groups
• Migration
• Post-conflict Society
• Repatriation of Refugees
• Thailand-Myanmar Border

• Asian Research Center for Migration (ARCM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

  Supang Chantavanich

• Asian Studies Asian Reser Center for Mig, Chulalongkorn University, Institute of Asian Studies Asian Reser Center for Mig, Bangkok, Thailand

  Aungkana Kamonpetch

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