Registered migrants from Burma, Laos and Cambodia and other minorities in the country have been granted the right to buy motor vehicles, said an announcement by Thailand’s Department of Transport (DoT)  on October 13.

The announcement states, a person, who is holding Taw Raw 14 (Thai citizens), Taw Raw 13 (displaced person holding a pink card or a highlander holding a blue card) and Taw Raw 38/1 (migrant worker’s card) is eligible.

Although they are being allowed ownership of vehicles, the authorities are yet to issue them driving license. The authorities are still discussing how to issue driving licenses to migrants, the announcement said.

“Driving license for migrants will not be the same as those for Thai citizens because migrants cannot travel anywhere in Thailand without official permission,” a Thai source said.

According to a Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF) press release on October 30, the DoT was able to grant migrants the right to own and drive motor vehicles due to the National Security Council’s (NSC)’s new policy.

The statement said this announcement will have a positive impact on over one million registered migrants and other minorities in the country.

The number of migrants working in the country is estimated to be around three million.

At the same time, migrants from Burma are required to complete application forms for the passport document under the national verification process by 28 February 2010.