BANGKOK — Thailand has officially launched new regulations to expedite citizenship procedures for children born to foreign parents in the country, marking the first comprehensive effort to tackle statelessness issues.
The directive, which came into force on June 30, was signed by Deputy Interior Minister Thirarat Samrejwanit, who is currently serving as Acting Minister following the Bhumjaithai Party’s withdrawal from government.
The policy was originally developed under former Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul but is now being implemented by the Pheu Thai Party-led administration.
Under the new regulations, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior oversees the directive with authority to interpret rules and remove procedural obstacles. For Bangkok residents, the Director of the Registration Administration Office handles applications, while district chiefs process applications for those living outside the capital.
The streamlined process includes coordination between provincial administrations and local police departments, with superintendent-level officers assigned to investigate applicants’ backgrounds in their respective areas. Judicial officials are also required to provide supporting documentation.
However, the Director General retains authority to revoke citizenship if applicants engage in behavior inconsistent with criteria or pose national security risks.
Target Groups Eligible
The initiative specifically targets approximately 140,000 people from long-established ethnic minorities who are officially registered in the national civil database with biometric data. This includes:
- Persons born in Thailand to ethnic minority parents who were interviewed and registered before 1999, holding 13-digit national ID numbers beginning with “6” where the sixth and seventh digits are between 50 and 72
- Children whose parents have residence permits with ID numbers beginning with “5” or “8”
- Persons born to parents registered as stateless under the January 18, 2005 Cabinet Decision, including Morgan Sea Nomads, who have ID numbers beginning with “0” with sixth and seventh digits labeled “89”
The framework stems from a Cabinet decision approved on October 29, 2024, during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration. Current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government has instructed the Interior Ministry to strictly follow legal provisions.
Permanent Secretary Unsit Sampuntharat emphasized this represents the first time Thailand has addressed citizenship issues in such a concrete and accelerated manner, earning praise from international organizations.
Exclusions Apply
The new process does not cover migrant workers, refugees in shelters, or foreigners with valid passports, who must pursue citizenship through existing channels.
Chaiwat Chuntirapong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, has signed official procedures outlining application processes and post-grant verification requirements in accordance with the Interior Ministry’s directive.
_______
