Analysis of Policies to Protect the Health of Urban Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thailand: A Qualitative Study and Delphi Survey

Sataporn Julchoo, Mathudara Phaiyarom, Pigunkaew Sinam, Watinee Kunpeuk, Nareerut Pudpong and Rapeepong Suphanchaimat
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Sataporn Julchoo: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Mathudara Phaiyarom: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Pigunkaew Sinam: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Watinee Kunpeuk: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Nareerut Pudpong: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Rapeepong Suphanchaimat: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-13

Abstract: The health of urban refugees and asylum seekers (URAS) in Bangkok has been neglected and health policies for USAR have not materialized. This study aimed to explore the views of stakeholders on policies to protect URAS well-being in Thailand. This study conducted a mixed-methods approach comprising both in-depth interviews and Delphi survey. The interview findings revealed six main themes: (1) the government position on URAS; (2) opinions on Thailand becoming a party of the 1951 Refugee Convention; (3) NGOs on health promotion for URAS; (4) options on health insurance management for URAS; (5) working potential of URAS; and (6) uncertainty of future life plans for URAS. The Delphi survey showed that URAS should have the right to acquire a work permit and be enrolled in the public insurance scheme managed by the Ministry of Public Health. Moreover, the ideology of national security was more influential than the concept of human rights. The ambiguity of the central authorities’ policy direction to take care of URAS creates haphazard legal interpretations. The Delphi survey findings suggested the need for a more inclusive policy for URAS, however actual policy implementation requires further research on policy feasibility and acceptance by the wider public.

Keywords: refugees; urban refugees; asylum seekers; health protection; health promotion; well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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