In 1981, Arrupe called a meeting in Bangkok to develop JRS Asia Pacific. He realized the need for emergency refugee care in the region and appointed a local staff of Jesuits and laypeople to do the job.
From an emergency response to crisis, the work of JRS expanded towards a longer-term commitment. The worldwide sympathy for refugees, which in 1979 had allowed so many to resettle, had diminished. Refugees were expected to wait in camps much longer, and were more likely to be rejected. They faced a correspondingly more unwelcoming reception in countries of first asylum. Thus, the long-term needs of refugees received increasing attention—education, support of culture and the ability to participate in the decisions which shaped their lives besides the needs of food, medicine and shelter.
Almost 40 years ago, Fr Pedro Arrupe, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus established Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in 1980. His last act before he was incapacitated by a stroke, was to visit Thailand and encourage the Jesuits in their ministry with refugees. On Sept. 7, 1981, while returning to Rome from a trip to the Philippines and Thailand, he suffered the massive stroke from which he would never fully recover. He resigned his office at the 33rd General Congregation (1983). Because of the effects of the stroke, he could not speak directly to his brother Jesuits, but his final address was read to them in his presence. It was received with thundering applause and a torrent of tears:
The picture of candidates taking photos with Fr Pedro Arrupe in the center. Left standing is Fr. Miguel A. Garaizabal, behind him is Fr. Eugene Denis, to his left is Fr. Iker Villanueva and Fr. Pietro Cerutti, and Fr. Vichai Phokthavi behind Fr Arrupe. Behind standing tallest: Fr. Jean Barry, to his left is Fr. Sigmund Laschenski, Fr. Augustin Moling, the third on the left of Moling is Fr. Franz Reiterer. In front, second from the right is Fr. Anthony Amalnath. 
Mass in the chapel at Xavier Hall. Front row: sitting on the right is Fr. Pietro Cerutti, next is Fr. Pedro Arrupe, and Fr. Iker Villanueva Sittting facing the altar, the first on the left is Fr.Pierre Ceyrac, to his left is Fr. Jean Barry, Fr. Franz Reiterer, Fr. Ando Isamu, and Fr. Miguel A. Garaizabal, Fr. Eugene Denis, and others. 
Fr. Pedro Arrupe in a group discussion. To his left is Fr. Pietro Cerutti, Fr. Iker Villanueva, and Fr. Anthony Amalnath and others. The last one on the right of the picture is Fr. Sigmund Laschenski, to his right is Fr. John Bingham, and others. 
Fr. Pedro Arrupe talking to some of graduates. Behind Fr. Pedro Arrupe is Fr. Paul O’Brien, and on his left is Fr. Alfred Bonningue. 
From left to right: Fr. Franz Reiterer, Fr. Paul O’Brien, Fr. Jacque Amyot, Br. Juan Gutierrez, Fr. Pedro Arrupe, Fr. Sigmund Laschenski, Fr. Alfred Bonningue. In front: Fr. Pietro Cerutti and Fr. Augustin Moling. 
Fr. Pedro Arrupe talking to Fr. Iker Villanueva and Fr. Dargan (Assistant for East Asia). 
Fr. Pedro Arrupe with Fr. Iker Villanueva and Fr. Alfred Boningue. 
From left to right: Fr. Miguel A. Garaizabal, Fr. Iker Villanueva, Fr. Pedro Arrupe, Fr. Dargan in a mass.