Government Clarifies Nationality Act Changes

The Thai government has clarified that proposed amendments to the Nationality Act are intended to resolve long-standing legal status issues for people who have lived in Thailand for many years and are not designed to grant citizenship to migrant workers or illegal entrants.

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On 14 June 2026, Ms Ploytalay Laksameesaengchan, Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Prime Minister’s Office, responded to a social media post by Phuket Times which claimed that the government planned to amend nationality laws to allow newly naturalised foreigners to participate in politics at all levels. The post suggested that areas such as Phuket, with large foreign populations, could eventually see foreign-born candidates standing for local political office.

Ms Ploytalay said the proposed legal changes focus on individuals who have long resided in Thailand, have a clearly established identity and have undergone legal verification procedures. She stressed that the objective is to address unresolved personal status cases that have remained outstanding for many years.

The government also emphasised that obtaining Thai nationality does not automatically grant access to political office or senior civil service positions. Individuals who acquire Thai citizenship must still meet all requirements set out in the constitution and other relevant laws before they can hold such positions.

The clarification follows growing discussion on social media regarding the draft amendments and their potential implications. Officials said concerns about foreigners immediately entering politics after receiving citizenship are unfounded because existing constitutional and legal restrictions would continue to apply.

The Ministry of Interior has opened a public consultation on the proposed amendments through the Department of Provincial Administration’s project on revising the Nationality Act B.E. 2508 (1965). Members of the public are invited to submit their views through the government’s consultation system before the draft legislation proceeds to the next stages of consideration.

Ms Ploytalay reiterated that the proposed amendments must still pass through several stages of public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny before any changes can become law. She also sought to reassure the public that political rights and eligibility to stand for election would remain subject to existing constitutional provisions and specific legal requirements.

ThaiRath reported that the government said the legislative process remains ongoing and that public feedback will form part of the review before lawmakers consider the proposed amendments further.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 15 June 2026