Karen spiritual leader Ko-ei, 107, gets Thai ID card – eventually

By The Nation

 

Photo : Khao San Nakhon Pathom

 

AT THE AGE of 107, a Karen-ethnic man yesterday received his first national identity card from Thailand. 

 

Ko-ei Meemi presented himself on Tuesday to the Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district office to have his photo taken for an ID card that has been delayed for about 10 years.

 

“He called on the National Human Rights Commission for help,” said rights commissioner Tuenjai Deetes. “So, we assigned the Human Rights Lawyers Association to submit Ko-ei’s request for Thai nationality.” 

 

In response to the request, the registrar at the Kaeng Krachan District Office examined the documents and witnesses before finally granting approval. 

 

Ko-ei is a prominent figure, particularly among Karen-ethnic people living in Phetchaburi, who regard him as a spiritual leader. 

 

One of his grandsons, Pholachi “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, was a respected activist. Pholachi, however, disappeared in 2014 after last being seen in the custody of forestry officials. His suspected enforced disappearance made international headlines.

 

Read more : DSI to probe disappearance of Karen activist ‘Billy’ and encroachment in Trang national park

Tuenjai said it was a good sign that Ko-I has finally received his national ID card.

 

Without Thai citizenship, Ko-I had long been unable to access state-provided welfare, such as the state subsidy for the elderly. The government pays at least Bt600 a month to Thais aged over 60 years. The older a person, the higher the subsidy, with centenarians entitled to Bt1,000 a month. 

 

Thai citizenship also allows access to the country’s universal healthcare scheme, which offers almost all types of medical services for free. 

 

Tuenjai said many elderly people in Thailand had difficulty winning recognition of their right to Thai citizenship even though they had long lived in the country. 

 

“Without Thai citizenship, they have a difficult life. Apart from the lack of access to state welfare, their travels are also limited,” she said. “We hope Ko-ei’s case will mean many more seniors will get the same opportunity.” 

 

Dulyasit Sanitwong na Ayutthaya, a grandson of Prince Bhanubandhu Yugala, recalled Ko-ei’s friendship with his maternal grandfather. 

 

“He often brought meat and chillies to my grandpa,” Dulyasit said. “He also offered advice on how to take care of a white elephant.”

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30351153

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-08-01

I wonder how he showed his birth certificate or that of his parents as is required by most authorities for the issuance of a Thai ID card?

Who can now claim that the authorities are not flexible and caring of the people they serve.

 

A generous and magnanimous gesture, a noble decision...

 

 

At a hundred and seven, the real icing on the cake would be for him to see the headperson behind his grandson billys death behind bars before his passing. Now that would be something to really celebrate. 

We all remember Billy. 

Has he done 90 day reports during all these years?

A generous and magnanimous gesture, a noble decision...

 

... and a very, very late gesture and decision, long overdue.

No wonder he had to wait, look at the colour shirt he is wearing... 

2 hours ago, simon43 said:

 

 

 

... and a very, very late gesture and decision, long overdue.

Sorry "simon43", I was being sarcastic... 

This magnanimous gesture is to be extended to all stateless centenarians who show up accompanied by their parents. 

2 hours ago, greenchair said:

At a hundred and seven, the real icing on the cake would be for him to see the headperson behind his grandson billys death behind bars before his passing. Now that would be something to really celebrate. 

We all remember Billy. 

How do you know he was murdered? 

3 hours ago, MRToMRT said:

How do you know he was murdered? 

Have you followed the case from the beginning? 

If you have you would know he is dead, and we know who did it but can't name due to defecation laws. 

23 hours ago, greenchair said:

Have you followed the case from the beginning? 

If you have you would know he is dead, and we know who did it but can't name due to defecation laws. 

 

Have you followed the case from the beginning?  ...... yes very closely

If you have you would know he is dead........... I don't, how do you?

and we know who did it but can't name ....... if you can't prove he is dead or alive how can you know who did "it" whatever "it" is

 

 

 

31 minutes ago, MRToMRT said:

 

Have you followed the case from the beginning?  ...... yes very closely

If you have you would know he is dead........... I don't, how do you?

and we know who did it but can't name ....... if you can't prove he is dead or alive how can you know who did "it" whatever "it" is

 

 

 

Well that's the anomaly that every  murderer loves to quote.